Angela Miravite GLOBDEV C31 1. How does the Internet undermine the state?

For me, the Internet does not necessarily undermine the state, does not weaken the power of the government, nor does it affect its sovereignity. It just gives people the power of direct action by providing real-time information and unparalleled ability to whistleblow. The Internet has redefined relationships and made the world seem smaller because it has made communication easier and faster. This is the reason why relationships have been tighter and people are more involved in each others lives, and are more aware of the actions of the government. Thus, political consciousness and involvement emerged in the web, with people hoping and believing that this can be an avenue to reach out to the state and to voice out their concerns. Contrary to the belief of many, this in turn can strengthen the states legitmacy instead of undermining it because specific problems can be easily addressed and resolved. Pictures, videos and news depicting the veracity of governments worldwide promote resistance, protests and revolutions among Internet users affected and influenced by these realities. This only proves how the Internet empowers people and encourages them to believe that they can create change and encourage global and radical efforts to change the unfavorable practices of their government or state. Furthemore, the scope of the states sovereignty power is too complex and broad to be debilitated and challenged by the manipulation and spread of information. 2. How does the Internet change our being as individuals? Is the state still relevant? Our being is not changed by the Internet because change depends on us. We may or may not choose to change. Yes the Internet may remold our relationships and may reshape how we think. However, it can not change or being because we are who we are not because of the Internet nor our online identity, but because of our personal relationships and social interactions. The internet allows people to gain knowledge and to increase social networks. Huge amounts of information are transmitted and shared through the web everyday. If an individual lets the knowledge and information he acquires influence and/or affect his beliefs, values and, principles, then perhaps, he still does not know himself well. A man who truly knows himself and who has connected with his inner being, sticks to his identity and stands by it no matter what happens. While the Internet facilitates the flow of information among people and promotes political involvement, the state regulates and controls the reaction of the people to these acquired knowledge and infromation. Not everything the government does is favorable and advantageous to all its citiznes. That is why there is a tendency for resistance and protests. The state, being the governing body of a nation, has the responsibility to maintain peace and order in society by taking measures to properly inform the people about the short and long-term effects of its activities and programs. Although the Internet has made some people drift away from reality because it has enabled them to create dual persoonalities, humans cannot escape reality. Because of this, people need the state for wihtout it, there would be no government. And especially for a country such as the Philippines, wherein people lack discipline and slef-initiative, living without a government will be synonymous to chaos.