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Chapter 11: Digital Self

Among the Filipino youth, the use of digital technology has now become part of the self - the digital self. Technology help us to lessen our work loads and make our life easier and comfortable. Technology is used for communication and social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. Social networking sites used by the students, businessmans, politicians etc. In school, technology is used for research purposes but because of technology books and journals are no longer needed. Businessmans used social networking sites to share or post their products and finish their transactions easily. Most kids today would rather stay inside the house and watch television or play video games in their cellular phones, ipod or computer instead of playing outdoor games. Technology can help deliver items or supplies such as food, furniture, water and etc. Social networking sites can be used for debates on current issues in the country especially the political issues. It can also be used to express the opinions and concerns of the people, but identity theft, false information and fake news are very common so we must be careful of our actions. Social networking sites can be used to find your soul mate, create new friendships and meet new people in different places. Technology helps us in so many ways; improved medicine, keeps us connected to each other, provides education and entertainment and also it has saved many lives.

Technology is important because we used it for the development of the society. Humans used technology to travel, to communicate, to learn, to do business and to live in comfort. Technology impacts the environment and the people as a whole because we don't know if it's impacts are positive or negative to the society. There is nothing wrong for using it, as long as it is balanced. There is no escaping technology, society just needs to learn how to use it in a way that is more beneficial than it is harmful.

Chapter 10: Political Self

An important prelude to the study of political self is understanding the concept of politics. It includes concepts on political community, socialization, social interaction and citizenship. It also describes the influence of family, school, church, peers and the media.

Philippines is an example of a democratic country, we are ruled by the government. We have the freedom to choose who we want to become the leaders or the rulers in our country. Politics is important part of human development because it promotes ideologies about democracy, human rights, freedom and other social issues. Politics is the central component of our identity because we need to understand of who and what we are. Through socialization we learn new knowledge and values that is appropriate to our position in the community. Social interaction is the way on how we interact successfully with other people in a community. In school, as a student, I've experience this politics which I'm the leader or the one who has the authority to lead and has the power to ask my group mates to do things. In the family, my father has the authority and the power to lead or rule in the house to maintain the order in the family. Traditionally, the father is the most influencial member of the family. The church including the priests also helps shape the ideals of citizenship teaching us religious teachings, values and traditions. Interaction with the peers emphasizes the equal distribution of the power and rights among members of the group. Mass media is the source of information on politics.

Throughout life, I meet new people and joined new groups. My life is influenced and modified by opinions, comments and suggestions of other people. I can acquire learning through observation and imitation. Political self is the concept that constantly interact, shape and inform each other. Through politics I can enhance my skills in leadership.

Chapter 9: Spiritual Self

Spiritual self is a ritual or practice that we do to further understand our higher self. Higher self is who we truly are. Spiritual self influences through faith, hope and love.

Our self is connected to the sacred, supernatural and the universe. It enables us to experience the oneness with the higher being who gives a deeper meaning or purpose of life. Spiritual self is developed with the help of the family, school and the church. All of us can developed spiritual life if we attend masses, participate in a prayer meeting and worship or by simply put God in the center of our lives. As a Christian, I seldom go to church because it is so tiring but even though I don't go to church every Sunday, my faith on the Lord is still there, i'm trusting him, I pray to him all day and share to him all of my feelings and thoughts. I don't go to church every Sunday but I attend worships (the feast smlanang) and prayer meetings. Whenever I attend these worships and prayer meetings I feel alive and I feel the presence of the Lord. When I'm in the church I feel sleepy, I'm sorry to say this but it's true. But if I have problems I go to church, pray to him and I cry my heart out because i know he is the only one who knows how to comfort me and understands me. I don't understand why some people worshipping objects, certain places and creatures. As far as i remember that is a sin.

Until now, I am still looking for the meaning and purpose of my existence. I'm asking myself, why am I like this and why am I doing this? By following the ways of Logotheraphy, I am sure that all of my accomplishments, treasured something or someone and the sufferings are all has a purpose why I am still here in this world living a blessed life. All the challenges and problems I encounter everyday it makes me stronger because I know, I have God. God is my savior, my protector, my friend and my everything. Without him I am nothing.

Chapter 8: Material Self

Material self is the manifestation of one's identity through his or her material possessions. The basic components of material self are the body, people, clothes and pets.

I am that kind of person who loves and hates expensive things at the same time. I'm very stingy to myself but to other people is not. We are not rich, we cannot get or buy the things that we want. I am the second child in the family, I have this second child syndrome that is left with no clear role in the family or a feeling of being left out. I easily gets jealous of my siblings because they are the favorites. If they ask something to our parents my parents will immediately find a solution or do their hardest best to give them what they need and what they want. And when it is my turn to ask something, they always say "we don't have money, maybe next time", this happened when I'm in seventh grade. And this is also the time that I become self-dependent. The allowances that my parents gave, I save it for my needs - things that I can use for a lifetime, ex. Clothes, shoes and especially to pay for the school projects. And when I save money for my wants, ex. Books, collections of stitch (cartoon character) etc. I never get the chance to buy it because I am more focusing to help my parents in terms of our daily expenses. To lessen our expenses, the money I earned, i pay it for the school projects and sometimes i let them used my money to pay for our electricity and water bills.

Actually, I'm happy that I can help them but sometimes sadness consumed me, because nothing is left with me. But it's okay It is not about the money or the material possessions, it is about my effort to save money to buy the things that i want and i need though sometimes i can't benefit on it. It is also about my willingness to help other people. I thank God for this and I know he will shower me more blessings, Insha Allah!

Chapter 7: Sexual Self

Most of us are involved in dating and courtship. Through romantic relationships, sexual behaviors are developed. The risk factors of sexual behaviors are the early pregnancy and the sexually transmitted infections or diseases.

During adolescence, this is the beginning of the rapid physical changes that includes the maturation of sex organs. Adolescence stage is the most serious or threatening stage because young people is very explorative and bold. They will discover something new on their own. Ages 12-16 got engage in premarital sex and early pregnancy because of curiosity and to be called cool. Using contraceptives may be good to use to prevent pregnancy but contraceptives is not that strong to prevent such thing. Some people told me that using condom is very obstructive. Through intimate relationship and lust, premarital sex can be done. Sexually transmitted diseases or infections is the major problem among the youth here in the Philippines. It has no cure and can cause death. To lessen the cases of HIV or AIDS in the country, government officials must call for stronger programs of sex education. The LGBTQ+ or Lesbian, gay, bisexual , transgender, queer are people who are figuring out their sexual orientation. Having friends like them is super fun, you will always find your self smiling all day.

Today's generation, sex is free. Some teenagers having sexual intercourse to someone they don't know, for the reason: money or for the material things. When they get drunk, sex is most likely to happen and cheating occurs. Sexuality exists within us, not just when we are engaging with others in sexual acts. Before we ever encounter another set of genitals we possess our own unique, sexual self, full of potential pleasure and exploration. We don't need a sexual partners or fuck buddy if we really love and respect ourselves. And sex can only be done after marriage.

Chapter 6: Physical Self

Most of us girls are very conscious and dissatisfied about our physical appearance and overall body image. We always tend to compare ourselves to the other girls. For me, my overall physical appearance and overall body image is enough. But sometimes I feel insecure because they have a clear and white skin, full thick eyebrows and they also good in make overs. I appreciate other girls beauty. Someone told me that I am pretty but I cannot see it like woah are you blind? I feel like I'm being joked. I don't have the confidence to show myself off. My face is full of pimples and scars. I ask one of my cousin if I am pretty but she said no because of my pimples. And when we have our family gatherings, our relatives always compare me to my sister and they will ask me "Your sister is very fashionable, what happened to you?" like hey, I am not that kind of person, I'm just lowkey. I dressed according to my mood. Why you guys telling me to become like my sister? I'm not like her. I have my own style and my own way of being beautiful. I have this personality that can melt your hearts.

Today, physical appearance is the new basis if he/she is beautiful or not. People will love you if you are pretty or appealing to their eyes. People will only treat you good if your overall appearance matches them. Or people will only like you if you passed their standards.

Chapter 5: Western and Eastern Concepts of Self

According to Edward T. Hall "One of the most effective ways to learn about oneself is by taking seriously the cultures of others. It forces you to pay attention to those details of life which differentiate them from you.". Respecting other's culture, tradition, concepts about life is a must for a better understanding of their lives. We are all aware that we are different individuals and we have different beliefs so as a good citizen knowing about the easter and western concepts of self is needed to comprehend how each countries think about the "self".

The western concept of self according to van meijl, it is a bounded, unique, more or less integrated motivational and cognitive universe, a dynamic center of awareness, emotion, judgement, and action organized into a distinct whole and set contrastively both against other such wholes and against its social and natural background. The western concept of self is very complex and complicated to analyzed compare to the eastern concept of self which has only one goal and that is to teach how to become a perfect person according to Villaba. Also the eastern concept of self is twisted by philosophy and religion. these concepts of self greatly affect how the people think and behave to different situations so to further understand we must respect both and try to learn the difference of the two and gain knowledge on how the word "self" is being describe by the western and eastern part of the earth.

In my opinion there is no superior concept between the two. Both teaches us the ways of life, how people think, understand and analyzed, proper conduct on how to act in relation to others and deeply give meaning to self-awareness. By reading the chapter, western and eastern concept of self attempts to combine the good elements of the different disciplines to totally understand the self.

Chapter 4: Psychological Perspective of the Self

"For a young person, it is almost a sin, or atleast a danger, to be too preoccupied with himself; but for the ageing person, it is a duty and a necessity to devote serious attention to himself." By Carl Jung. This statement represents the generation we are currently living today. Understanding the self is a major component in our life to be able to function properly in our society. We must know, understand, and assess ourselves more. There are many theories and concepts about the "self". As a peron i have always thought that i grasp the concept of self but after reading the chapter of psychological perspective of the self i have realised that there is a much more deeper meaning of the word "self".

According to Carl Roger, he defines the self as a flexible and changing perception of personal identity. I totally agree with his concept because as far as i know, we human beings tend to change our personality,attitude and behavior depending on the situation we are in and the people we are with. This also proves that we are flexible to immediately react to different situations given to us. I could say that i am a perfect example of this statement.

Living for 18 years, i have witnessed people's behavior, attitude and personality and i have observed that most of us show our false self to impress others, we just want to protect ouselves from others or simply we just don't want to be judge by others. We mask our true self with our false self and i believed there is nothing wrong with that since we are all different individuals and we have the right to decide for ourselves. Self-awareness is important, it is basically a necessity to survive. As a daughter, a sister, a friend and a human being, giving time to reflect about our life, identity, experiences and personality are relevant to discover who we truly are and the purpose of our existence.

Chapter 3: The Self as Embedded in Culture

There is no simple definition of the self. Culture is one of the reason why self is created. Culture interact to shape human experiences. Self can be influenced in two ways; the Nature and the Nurture, Nature refers to the genetic inheritance and Nurture refers to the sociocultural environment. Our cultural variations can affect our mental state, language and behavior. Culture is not a behavior but a guide to us on how we act on the society.

Culture affect me as an individual by following the traditional way of living of my ancestors. Culture influences the way I talk because of our language, I'm bisaya and other people in different culture are speaking in different language like Ilonggo, Tagalog, etc. My beliefs because of my religion. I'm a Roman Catholic, I pray to the statues of the saints even though it's just a replica. Some religion like Muslims don't believe in that. Years ago, we don't go to places that are not familiar with us especially when we don't know the language they speak. Someday, I'm going to get married and I'm going to adopt the culture of my husband.

But today's generation, cultures and traditions has changed a lot. Modernization and technologies are now the way how we can share our culture and communicate to other people in different countries. Culture is innate and some are learned. Culture influence eah other by sharing and offering their knowledge, beliefs, arts, customs, etc. That are compatible with their values and ways to perceive the world. Through culture people and groups define themselves. Culture is important because it is our core self that makes us unique as an individual and for us to know where we came from. Learning about other cultures can help us to understand different perspective within the world which we live in.

Chapter 2: The Self as a Product of Society

Human behavior is influenced by group life. The view of oneself is formed through interactions with other people, groups or social institutions. I developed my identity through the help of my family, friends and other people I encounter. I'm a huge fan of Nadine Lustre, I imitate the way she dressed and project herself, and this is an example of the looking glass self. Sometimes, I'm forced to change the way I behave. Through social interactions I acquired a compatibility to other people that may have the same mindset and personality like mine. I sometimes see myself in my parents, friends and also strangers. I can tell that I am like my father and mother who loves to eat seafoods. Me and my friends likes to watch horror movies and also a Stranger, we like the cartoon character stitch.

Self is a never - ending search. Other individuals personality influenced by the mass media to acquired goods than for value and utility. I am constantly learning everything around me including how to behave, act and think about things. Posts on social media affects me that leads to detachment to my friends and family.

I can also relate this to the Johari Window of Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, the first window is the Open Space or known to myself and known to others. Second Window is the Blind Spot - Unknown to myself but known to others. Third Window is the Hidden Area or known to myself but unknown to others. The fourth window is the Unknown Area or the Unknown to myself and unknown to others. I agree with the concept of Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham because that will serves as that people will eventually judge or observed me the way I act or behave in a certain situation.

Chapter 1: Philosophical Perspective of the Self

Philosophy means "love of wisdom" it employs the curiosity to discover and explore the areas of knowledge such as religion, psychology, medicine, etc. What is self? Self is sacred, each and everyone of us should value and give respect to ourselves. No one knows the "real" me, no one knows behind my smile, my laughter, and everything I do. My self is where I stored all my feelings, my thoughts and perceptions about things. When I was a baby my mind was In a tabula rasa or in a blank slate. I don't know anything, but when I reached late childhood, I asked myself who am I.

Know thyself - as a human it is my duty to know myself, starting from the favorite food, Hobbies, favorite music and color. To know self is not easy especially I'm currently in adolescent stage. As an adolescent, I've experience struggles and troubles when it comes to knowing who I really am, because I thought I was like this but it's not.

Who am I? I'm a lady with ambition. I strive hard for the things I love. A very loving daughter and a caring friend. A Strong and an independent woman. For now, that is all I can say because I'm still in a progress of finding my self. But with that simple definition of myself, It feels so good because It's like I have accomplished a very hard challenge in life.

No matter how hard it is, it is worth it in the end. In every struggles and troubles I faced, I have learned something that gains self-knowledge. I believe that the most important thing is knowing thyself. When we truly know ourselves, other people's opinion about us won't matter because we know who and what we are. And lastly, we will realize how we differ from others.

Tired of everything 😪

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