Ailyn Balwi, April De Guzman, & Jerlyn Flores, Department of Education-Cavite City
Keywords:
Facebook, pos-neg, gender, gender differences, technology, positive, negative, frequencyAbstract
INTRODUCTION
Facebook is the most popular social networking site, created by Mark Zuckberg in 2004. It is a big attraction to young boys and girls. Studies reveal that it has positive and negative effects among boys and girls. Facebook seems to be the ultimate isolating technology that further reduces young female participation in many activities in the real world. How Facebook affects gender differences in grade six and to keep pace with these young Facebook users, the teacher-researchers believe this kind of study should be conducted.
METHODS
The researchers used the qualitative descriptive research design. Only twenty (20) children were selected from grade six afternoon classes. Ten (10) boys and ten (10) girls were considered. They were all Facebook users. Random sampling through the fishbowl technique was used. Using the survey, interviews and questionnaires were prepared. Tables and graphs were utilized for easy data interpretation.
RESULTS
Figure 1. The graph presents the respondents’ frequency of Facebook usage. There are girls who open Facebook more than boys do on a daily basis. There are boys and girls who sometimes use Facebook. There are two (2) boys who open Facebook because they have nothing to do while none among the girls elicited the same response. Only one (1) boy and one (1) girl choose to open Facebook when the need arises.
DISCUSSIONS
The positive and negative effects of Facebook on gender were emphasized. Gender differences vary in certain aspects as regards the use of Facebook. The use of Facebook has positive and negative effects. The frequency of use is divided into daily, sometimes, emergency time, and when bored. When using Facebook, boys and girls should be reminded of the do's and don'ts. Parental and teacher guidance should always be made available to boys and girls. Children should be taught about time budgeting and wise decision-making. In the future, action research on the third sex as Facebook users may be conducted.
