On Social Media: The Voices of Blaan Students in Digital Age

Abstract

This study aims to describe indigenous peoples’ use of social media. There are 110 ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines who comprise nearly 15 percent of total population. Majority of indigenous peoples live in the island of Mindanao. Phenomenology was used for this study in explaining the experiences and perspectives of the Blaan students in using social media. Twenty-five Blaan students from Matanao, Davao del Sur were selected through purposive sampling. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion it was revealed that entertainment and leisure, emotional trauma and discrimination, research and educational purposes, and communication and socialization were the issues related to the Blaan students’ experiences on using social media. As regards insights in using social media, they identified time management, stand against discrimination, staying hopeful and positive, respecting and promoting culture, and prioritizing education. This study has significance not only in but also in the indigenous peoples’ cultural community in terms of promoting and preserving culture in the digital age.