Exploring the Cultural Identity of Filipino Digital Natives from NCR-based Universities

Abstract

With the arrival of the Digital Age comes people who are native to its environment, people who are born into a world wherein the Internet and other digital media are widespread and present in all facets of life. These “Digital Natives” are the first generation of people in a globally connected world. From childhood, they are able to interact and learn from others regardless of locality. This opportunity and availability of information sets them apart from their parents and previous generations. The study aims to explore and understand how the ease of access to information online has influenced the cultural identity of Filipino Digital Natives, specifically those from NCR-based Universities, through framing their identities between their online and offline selves. An ethnographical approach through semi-structured interviews was used by the researcher as the form of data gathering along with reflexive analysis. Dramaturgy and Thematic analysis were used to interpret the data. The study had revealed some key insights into the current state of the cultural identity of the research population. Overall, the respondents viewed themselves and their generation to be more liberal and open in terms of socio-cultural beliefs, as well as citing incongruence with past generations. There was also a general dislike for traditional Filipino society and culture, viewing it to be too conservative and restrictive in comparison to their own. Self-expression and individualism were also present in the responses of the participants. The Internet was viewed to be the primary force for change among the respondents. These results indicated a state of flux in the cultural identity of the respondents as they react and engage in their dual socialization online and offline, pointing to the possibility of adaptation or change of the Filipino identity to suit the global nature of the world at large.