ICT and society: Examining the impact of technology among filipino families in diaspora

Abstract

The role of information and communication technologies has reached all sectors of society. No doubt that the smallest unit of society, the family, has been tremendously affected by these changes. The impact of technology has been directed to the family as they consume the innovation every minute of their lives. As such, it is important to examine how communication technology has affected the quality of communications and lives of people. The study explores how communication technologies modify, alter and transform the lives of Filipino families in the context of diaspora. It aims to determine 1. information and communication and technologies commonly accessed by respondents; 2. variations in family characteristics, accessibility to new communication technologies ,and frequency of use; 3. problems encountered in the use of the new technology; 4.impact of communication technology to the transformation of Filipino families in diaspora; and 5. impact of message exchanges among family members evident in their actual living condition. The Filipino family, known for its close ties, attempts to maintain relationships by utilizing gadgets available for them. The ubiquity of new technologies has facilitated communication among family members who regard these gadgets integral to their daily lives The researcher selected families from the categories common to both Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) and National Statistics Office websites through purposive sampling. These are: 1. seafarers; 2.domestic helpers ; 3. professionals such as nurses, doctors and others; 4. laborers and helpers; 5. production/operators and other related works; 6. caregivers and caretakers; and 7. technicians to include wiremen, electrician, etc. Respondents were from the Southern Tagalog Region where Cavite, one of its provinces, has the highest number of sea-based and land-based deployment, as well as, the highest in overseas remittances. The study undertakes a quantitative-qualitative approach to research. In order to have a clearer picture of these families, a multimethod approach was employed including survey, key informant, in-depth and on-line interviews. Results show that family communication is vital in the realization of aspirations within the family. Most families use mobile phones and internet to communicate with their family members anytime and anywhere. Common problems encountered relates to signal of equipment used, cost of communication thru ICT and quality of messages conveyed. Aspirations such as familial dreams, plans and goals are communicated through the use of technology despite distance. In general, results reveal that diaspora and the use of ICT facilitated the realization of aspirations of Filipino families. Both have been a persistent culture among Filipinos.