ELIE-10.2

 “EXPLORING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP: A COMMUNITY INTERVIEW”

Here are the insights and personal thoughts of some of my respondents during our interview about digital citizenship. Each of them shared how they understand and experience the online world in their own way. (Disclaimer: The respondent preferred not to be recorded, so I respectfully took notes of their responses instead.)

1. Have you heard of the term "digital citizenship"?

• If yes: What do you think it means?
• If no: What do you think it might mean based on the word?

Mother: “Hindi pa, anak. Pero kung huhulaan ko, parang ID ’yan o pagkakakilanlan ng isang tao, pero sa internet. Baka may kinalaman sa pagiging “citizen” sa online world.”

Sari-sari store owner: “ Hindi pa. Pero sa tingin ko, parang may kinalaman sa pagiging citizenship sa internet. Parang ‘yung identity mo, pero computerized o online na.”

Tricycle Driver: “ Hindi pa. Pero baka parang nationality, pero gamit ang internet. Siguro kung paano ka kumikilos o nagrerepresenta ng sarili mo online.”

Tita: “Hindi pa, pero base sa pagkakaintindi ko, ang digital citizenship ay parang mga bagay na kailangan sa digital world para mapadali ang buhay ng mga tao. Kunwari, sa panahon ngayon, halos lahat ginagawa na online—bills, shopping, pakikipag-usap, trabaho. So feeling ko, ang “digital citizenship” ay ‘yung pagiging responsable at marunong sa paggamit ng mga digital tools. Kumbaga, parang good citizen ka rin dapat sa internet world—may manners, may respeto, at alam ang tama at mali online.”

2. Do you use a cellphone, tablet, or computer that connects to the internet?

     • What do you usually do online?

Mother: “ Oo naman! Sa cellphone ko, nag-fa-Facebook ako, nagbabasa sa Wattpad, nanonood ng Netflix, at minsan naglalaro rin ako ng mga online games—pampalipas oras lang.”

Sari-sari store owner: “ Oo, gamit ko cellphone ko para sa mga balita. Tinitingnan ko kung anong nangyayari sa Pilipinas at pati na rin sa ibang bansa. Minsan nanonood din ako ng pelikula sa YouTube.”

Tricycle Driver: “ Oo, gamit ko cellphone ko. Pero tuwing gabi lang, kase buong araw nag papasada kasi ako. Minsan kapag nag hihintay ng mga pasahero ehh naglalaro ako ng mga puzzle games, nagfa-Facebook. Sa gabi nagme-Messenger para makipagkwentuhan sa mga anak at kapatid ko.”

Tita: “ Oo naman! Palagi akong gumagamit ng cellphone ko. Lalo na kapag umaalis ako, naka-on agad ’yung data ko para connected ako kahit saan. At tsaka mahilig ako manood ng news sa Fb or Yt, lalo na ‘yung tungkol sa politics, tsaka mga nangyayari sa paligid—local man o international. Alam mo na, importante maging aware sa mga current na pangyayari.”

3. How do you decide what to post or share online (e.g., on Facebook or TikTok)?

     • Are there rules you follow or avoid?

Mother: “ Pinopost ko lang ’yung mga masasayang moments—’yung worth i-share, tulad ng bonding natin, o ’pag may okasyon. At tsaka Anak, meron naman akong rules na sinusunod kagaya ng bawal mag post ng mga malalaswa at di kaakit-akit sa ibang users.”

Sari-sari store owner: “ Madali lang. Usually, mga pictures ko kasama barkada, o ’pag may birthday o reunion. Ayoko mag-post ng kung ano-anong kalokohan—lalo na ’yung mga fake news o illegal na videos. Iisipin mo muna bago mag-post.”

Tricycle Driver: “ Hindi ako masyadong mahilig mag-post, pero kung meron man, kadalasan mga picture ng motorsiklo ko o simpleng shoutout lang sa mga kaibigan. Hindi ako nagpo-post ng galit o away. Sabi nga, wag mo nang isabuhay sa Facebook ang problema mo. Mahirap na, baka mag-viral pa ‘yan.”

Tita: “ Ako, hindi basta-basta nagpo-post. Kung may nangyaring aksidente or may nawawala, ayun, minsan nagshi-share ako to help. Pero may rules akong sinusunod. Tulad ng, kung galit ka, ’wag mo nang i-post sa Facebook. Hindi na kailangang idaan sa social media ang inis, at kung may kaaway ka sa personal, huwag mo na rin i-rant online na parang naghihingi ka lang ng simpatya ng tao. Dapat may filter ka rin kahit sa net. Hindi lahat ng nasa isip mo, kailangan i-share. May mga bagay din na mas magandang sa sarili mo na lang o i-share privately.”

4. Have you ever experienced or seen something negative online (like fake news, insults, scams)?

     • How did you react?

Mother: “ Oo, marami nang ganyan. Pero alam mo ako, deadma na lang. Sabi ko nga, “Bat ako makikisali doon?” Hindi ko na pinapansin.”

Sari-sari store owner: “ Oo, lagi na. Pero hinahayaan ko lang. Scroll lang nang scroll. Wag mo na lang pansinin, sayang oras.”

Tricycle Driver: “ Oo, madalas, minsan na ’yung mga pa-GCash scam. May mga nagsesend ng link, sasabihin nanalo ka raw. Di ko na pinapansin ‘yan. Tapos may mga post din na puro paninira. Nag i-iscroll nalang ako, wag na lang patulan. Sayang lang oras jan.”

Tita: “ Ay oo, madami na akong nakita. Lalo na mga scam posts, ‘yung tipong “PM for GCash para manalo”—naku, red flag agad ‘yan! At saka ‘yung mga insults o fake balita na pinapakalat. Ako, hindi ako basta-basta naniniwala. Sabi ko nga, kailangan makita ko muna gamit itong dalawa kong mata bago maniwala. Hindi lahat ng nasa internet totoo. Dapat marunong ka mag-verify. Hindi porket maraming shares, legit na agad.”

5. What advice would you give to young people using the internet or social media today?

Mother: “ Wag kayong masyadong malulong dyan sa social media. Maghanap din kayo ng ibang pagkakaabalahan. Magtrabaho, tumulong sa bahay—’wag puro cellphone. Balanseng buhay, anak.”

Sari-sari store owner: “ Wag kayong masyadong babad dyan sa cellphone at yang social media. May mga post dyan na walang kwenta, minsan delikado pa. Ingat kayo, lalo na sa mga grupo na hindi nyo kilala. Dapat gamitin lang ang internet sa tamang paraan, sa pag-aaral niyo.”

Tricycle Driver: “ Ang masasabi ko lang, mag-ingat kayo sa paggamit ng internet. Hindi lahat ng nakikita niyo, totoo. Wag masyadong tumambay sa social media. Gamitin niyo rin ‘yan sa tama—pang-research, pag-aaral, o pagkakakitaan kung pwede. At higit sa lahat, wag niyong kalimutan ang respeto. Maging mabait dapat, kahit online.”

Tita: “ Ganito lang– Huwag sobra-sobra. Tama lang ang gamit, mga isang oras okay na yan. Magluto kayo, tumulong sa bahay, wag lang puro cellphone. Gamitin ang internet ng may disiplina.”

Reflection:

         When I interviewed my mom, my aunt, a tricycle driver, and a sari-sari store owner, I didn’t really expect that they’d know much about “digital citizenship.” And true enough, none of them had heard of the term before. But as they started sharing their thoughts, I realized—they already understood it in their own way. For them, it’s like having an identity or a sense of responsibility online. It’s knowing how to carry yourself properly in the digital world, just like how you’d behave as a good person in real life.

     When we talked about how they use the internet, it felt very familiar and relatable. My mom scrolls through Facebook, reads Wattpad, watches Netflix, and plays games to pass time. My aunt uses her phone to watch news, especially about politics and what’s going on around us. The tricycle driver goes online mostly at night after a long day, using Facebook or playing games while waiting for passengers. The store owner checks the news too, or watches movies on YouTube. It’s all simple, really—but it’s meaningful. The internet has become part of their daily routine.

     I also asked how they decide what to post online. And what I noticed is that they’re very thoughtful. They share happy memories, useful information, or things that matter to them—but they avoid negativity. My mom said she follows her own rules, like not posting anything vulgar or inappropriate. My aunt said if she’s angry or has personal issues, she doesn’t bring it to social media. And I honestly admire that. It’s a kind of self-control that I think we sometimes forget.

     Then, I asked if they’d seen anything negative online—scams, fake news, or rude comments—they all said yes. But instead of reacting or fighting back, they just scroll past it. “Sayang oras,” they said. Why get involved in something that doesn’t help you? That kind of mindset made me realize just how grounded and smart they really are, even without formal training or digital workshops. They already know how to keep themselves safe online.

     Their advice to young people? It was full of care. Don’t get too addicted to social media. Don’t forget your responsibilities at home. Use the internet for good—like learning or even earning if possible. And always remember to rest. It was simple advice, but it felt genuine and real.

     This whole experience gave me a new perspective. I used to think digital citizenship was something technical—like something only people who are good with computers or gadgets could understand. But now I see that it’s really about values. Respect, balance, kindness, and responsibility. And sometimes, the people who don’t even know the term “digital citizenship” are the ones who actually live it best—quietly, through their everyday choices. And that realization? It really stayed with me.

ELIE- Activity 10.1

 “Digital Citizenship…Sounds Fancy, But It Actually Make Sense”

     Okay, so at first I read the title “Digital Citizenship” and my brain went, “Great. Another thing to memorize before a quiz.” Honestly, I thought it was just a boring term teachers made up to make us feel guilty for scrolling too much. But after reading the lesson, I realized—it’s not actually that bad. In fact, it kinda explains stuff I’ve been doing (and not doing) online without even knowing there was a word for it.

      So based on my understanding, a digital citizen is basically someone who knows how to behave on the internet without starting chaos. It’s like being a decent human… but with Wi-Fi. It means knowing what’s okay to post, how not to accidentally download 12 viruses, and how to avoid turning the comment section into a boxing ring.

      One key characteristic is respect. For example, when your friend posts a blurry selfie with three filters and the caption “feeling cute,” don’t roast them in the comments—even if you really want to. Just leave a like and move on. Digital citizens know that kindness is free, and so is the “scroll past” option.

      Next is responsibility. This means not trusting every website that promises a free phone. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably wants your credit card. Being responsible also means keeping your passwords stronger than your coffee and not oversharing every emotion on your status (we see you, drama posts).

      Lastly, a digital citizen is smart and informed. Like, if you see a post that says “aliens are enrolling in online classes,” maybe… check another source first? Digital citizens don’t spread fake news—they fact-check like internet detectives in pajamas.

      So yeah, digital citizenship might sound big, but it’s really just about being a good human with Wi-Fi. Not bad for something I thought would just be another “read and forget” lesson.

ELIE- Activity 8.2 (Reflection)

“The Internet of Things… and the Madness of Having Too Many Things”

     Living in the 2020’s feels like waking up in a sci-fi novel every day—except it’s not fiction anymore. From smartwatches tracking my every heartbeat to refrigerators that apparently care more about my milk than I do, the Internet of Things (IoT) is now part of everyday life. As a college student who survived a global pandemic, I’ve seen how helpful technology can be—but also how easy it is to get sucked into this weird “smart everything” rabbit hole. My take? IoT isn’t the enemy. It’s a tool. But like any tool, it can either build or break you depending on how you use it.

     So, there’s this TEDx talk by Benson Hougland, where he says IoT could be bigger than the Internet itself. He paints this picture of a world where your lights adjust automatically, your health is monitored in real-time, and your coffee maker knows exactly when you want your caffeine fix. Sounds awesome, right? Sure, it’s impressive. But also… do I really need my house thinking for me? I can barely remember my own phone password some days. And now you want my toaster to nag me? Nah, I’m good.

     When COVID-19 hit, everything went digital overnight. Classes, meetings, grocery runs—all became “click and go.” IoT devices helped many of us survive isolation—thermal scanners, contact tracing apps, even those fancy automated hand sanitizers you saw everywhere. In those moments, I got why IoT matters. It wasn’t about convenience; it was about survival.

     But post-pandemic? Man, it feels like we’re on the fast track to a world where everything has to be smart. Smart lights, smart doors, smart toilets (yes, those exist). And honestly, some of it just screams lazy. Like, seriously, am I supposed to brag that my coffee machine talks to my phone? I’d rather learn to make a decent cup myself than let an app do it. Where’s the fun in that? Where’s the challenge? Sometimes you gotta mess up your coffee to appreciate a good one.

     Effort matters. As a student, learning isn’t about just downloading answers. It’s about struggling, failing, and figuring things out. Life’s the same. If everything’s automated, we lose the chance to grow. It’s okay to do things the hard way. That’s how we stay human. And no, I’m not about to give up burning my tongue on hot coffee anytime soon just to save a few seconds.

     That’s why I’m all for IoT—but with limits. I use tech where it actually helps—tracking my sleep, keeping my schedule on point, getting those class notifications without scrambling. But I still write notes by hand. I still cook without yelling at Alexa. And I definitely prefer face-to-face talks over chat bubbles. IoT should support us, not babysit us.

     Oh, and privacy? Big deal. The more devices we connect, the more data we hand out. During the pandemic, giving up privacy for safety made sense. But now, we have to ask: who owns our info? Who’s cashing in? These aren’t just tech questions—they’re life questions. Technology shouldn’t be some sneaky contract you sign without reading.

     At the end of the day, IoT isn’t some sci-fi villain ready to take over the world. It has huge potential—helping with healthcare, disaster response, saving the environment. But it’s up to us to decide where the line is. I want a smart world, but not one where I become a couch potato ruled by my smart fridge.

    So yeah, bring on the smart devices. But I’m keeping my effort, my curiosity, and my right to rant about the three different apps I have to use just to turn on the lights in my own house. That’s what keeps me smarter than the machines around me—and that’s a choice I’m sticking to.

ELIE-Activity 8.1 (Written Report)

Issues and Challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT): A Written Report

I. Summary

     The Internet of Things (IoT) presents tremendous potential in contributing to a smarter and more sustainable future. However, as outlined in the source article, its rapid global expansion introduces several serious concerns. These include environmental degradation due to e-waste, increased energy consumption, security vulnerabilities, network limitations, lack of standardization, challenges in data management, and significant social and economic implications. To ensure the responsible implementation of IoT technologies, these challenges must be addressed through coordinated policy reforms, innovative design, and ethical data governance.

II. Introduction

     The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the system of interconnected devices embedded with sensors and technologies that collect, transmit, and exchange data. It enables smarter solutions in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, and urban planning. While IoT offers efficiency, convenience, and innovation, it also introduces a host of critical issues. According to the article, several of these challenges must be acknowledged and resolved to prevent long-term harm and to ensure that IoT technologies serve the public good. This report outlines and expands on the key issues raised in the article, presenting solutions where possible.

III. Main Point I: Environmental and Resource Concerns

     One of the most urgent challenges of IoT adoption lies in its environmental impact. As the demand for IoT devices grows, so too does the need for raw materials—particularly rare earth metals that are crucial for electronic components. This leads to increased resource depletion. At the same time, the global recycling rate for electronic waste (e-waste) remains low, at only around 20%, which contributes to worsening environmental pollution.

     To address this, the article recommends several solutions. First, it emphasizes the need for improved global recycling infrastructure along with strengthened legislation regarding e-waste disposal. Second, manufacturers must prioritize the use of sustainable materials and design devices that are easier to disassemble, reuse, or recycle. Lastly, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) should be enforced, holding companies accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products—from production to end-of-life disposal.

IV. Main Point II: Energy, Security, and Infrastructure Challenges

Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint

     Another major concern discussed in the article is the energy-intensive nature of both the production and operation of billions of IoT devices. This results in a significant carbon footprint and raises questions about long-term environmental sustainability. The article suggests addressing this challenge through the development of low-power hardware and software, greater integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and the adoption of energy-harvesting techniques that utilize ambient sources like light, vibration, or heat.

Security and Privacy Concerns

     Due to the interconnected nature of IoT systems, security vulnerabilities are another critical challenge. Software bugs, weak network protections, and insufficient security tools leave devices open to exploitation. Furthermore, the vast amount of data collected by these devices raises serious privacy concerns. According to the article, this can be mitigated through the use of strong encryption, robust security protocols, and the design of devices with secure authentication methods. Additionally, clear data privacy regulations and ethical guidelines are necessary to protect user data and ensure transparency in data handling.

Network Infrastructure Limitations

      The functionality of IoT devices is heavily dependent on reliable network infrastructure. However, in many regions—especially those with limited access to high-speed internet—existing wireless networks such as Wi-Fi are inadequate in terms of coverage and speed. To resolve this, the article suggests investing in advanced wireless technologies, including Low-Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) like LoRaWAN and NB-IoT. Moreover, hybrid network architectures that combine multiple technologies can be used to expand coverage and improve capacity.

V. Main Point III: Standardization, Data, and Socio-Economic Impact

Interoperability and Standardization

     Currently, a lack of standardization and interoperability between different IoT platforms and devices hinders seamless communication and widespread adoption. As noted in the article, this can be addressed through the development of common communication protocols, unified data formats, and open-source frameworks that encourage device compatibility and collaboration across industries.

Data Management and Analysis

     IoT generates massive volumes of data, which presents challenges related to storage, processing, and meaningful analysis. The article highlights the importance of developing advanced analytics techniques to manage and interpret this data effectively. Additionally, using edge computing and fog computing—where data is processed closer to its source—can reduce bandwidth use and improve responsiveness. Cloud-based platforms are also essential, as they offer scalable and cost-effective solutions for long-term data storage and processing.

Social and Economic Impact

     Finally, the article draws attention to the potential social and economic implications of IoT. Automation powered by IoT may lead to job displacement, particularly in industries that rely heavily on manual labor. There is also concern over reduced social interaction due to increased digital mediation. To mitigate these effects, the article proposes careful job transition planning, including retraining programs and support for affected workers. Moreover, policies should be designed to ensure equitable access to IoT benefits so that vulnerable communities are not left behind in the digital transformation.

VI. Conclusion and Recommendations

     In conclusion, while the Internet of Things offers significant benefits, its responsible implementation requires careful planning and management. The issues of resource depletion, e-waste, energy use, security risks, infrastructure limitations, data overload, and social inequality are real and growing. To ensure a successful future for IoT, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes investing in technological innovation, enforcing policy changes, adhering to ethical standards, and promoting international collaboration. Only through such efforts can we fully harness the transformative power of IoT while minimizing its risks.

VII. Sources

Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7368922/

ELIE- Activity 7.2

“Safe Add to Cart: How I Avoid E-Commerce Disasters”

     Can’t we just be FOR REAL—E-commerce is both a blessing and a trap. It’s the friend that helps you buy useful things while also whispering, “Buy this cat-shaped lamp you don’t need.” I love online shopping, but I’ve also learned (the hard way) that behind every cute item is the potential for chaos. After reading our Lesson 7 module, I realized there’s an actual science to avoiding the drama.

     To start, product risk is my mortal enemy. You ever buy something that looks amazing in photos but shows up looking like it came from a parallel universe? Yeah. That’s why I’ve become a review detective. I don’t just look at ratings—I investigate like I’m exposing a scandal. I zoom in on blurry customer-uploaded pictures like I’m in CSI: Shopee Edition.

     Then there’s privacy risk, which I take more seriously than my crush on midnight snacks. I don’t share my personal info online because I believe in digital boundaries. The only people who need to know my address are the delivery guy and my dog (and maybe my future self when I forget where I live). That’s why I still use Cash on Delivery like it’s my emotional support payment method. I’d rather hand over cash than my card number. Why? Because if I ever get scammed, at least I still have my dignity. And my money.

     Moving on to temporal risk—a.k.a. the drama of waiting. I once waited three weeks for a “fast delivery” item that arrived slower than my motivation on a Monday. So now I always check the shop’s shipping performance. If reviews say, “Fast delivery! Arrived in 2 days,” I’m sold. But if it says, “Still waiting after 2 weeks. Send help,” I run faster than my internet during a storm.

      And honestly, you know that feeling when you order something you’re really excited about—like a cute phone case with a built-in mirror (because, hello, vanity)—but the order status just stays stuck on “Pending” for three whole days? THREE. DAYS. It feels like being left hanging by an ex you never even dated. No update, no email, no movement. Delivery status? “Preparing to ship.” Since when?? Last week? I swear, I’ve developed trust issues with the phrase “Estimated Delivery: 3–5 days,” because it always sounds like a lie. Meanwhile, I’m at the window, by the gate, checking app notifications like I’m waiting for the love of my life to return from war. And don’t even get me started on those sellers who vanish after checkout. Like, hello? Where are you, Shopee seller123? I left my hopes and dreams with that order! And that broken tracking number? It’s giving ghosted. So yes, the biggest lesson? Online shopping will test your patience, your Wi-Fi, and your emotional stability. But hey, at least I got a ₱50 voucher. Worth it? Debatable.

     Financial risk is the next villain in this story. Nothing haunts you like a “no refund” policy after receiving an item that looks like it survived a typhoon. That’s why I don’t go for sketchy sellers, even if their price is a steal. If the grammar on their product description is suspicious and the return policy says “no returns, no complaints,” I treat it like a red flag on a dating app—exit immediately.

      I also take my time comparing listings. Sometimes the same item has three wildly different prices across platforms. I dig deep, compare deals, check shipping, and inspect whether freebies are included. E-commerce is war. You don’t enter the battlefield without doing recon.

     At the end of the day, what keeps me grounded is the awareness that e-commerce is convenient—but risky. Based on our module, I’ve learned that risks like faulty products, data misuse, delivery delays, and unclear policies are part of the territory. But the smarter you shop, the safer the experience becomes.

     So before I hit “Buy Now,” I pause. I investigate. I double-check. Because I’d rather spend five extra minutes verifying than spend five days regretting. And if I still get played by a mysterious shop that shipped me a questionable power bank from a warehouse in the middle of nowhere? I laugh, I cry, I leave a passive-aggressive review… and maybe still add something else to cart.