As the number 1 social media user in the whole world, the Philippines went beyond the average social media usage (two hours and 16 minutes each day on different social media platforms) as it set four hours and 12 minutes on the average.
A number of working OFWs spend their time using different social media platforms on different mediums to communicate with their loved ones in the Philippines. Who would not want to go online, check others’ most recent post, tweet comments using hashtags, post recently cooked food on Instagram, make videos uploaded on YouTube, and many more? Everything is possible in the virtual world.
But how do some working Filipinos in the UAE control or limit their use of social media?
Jay Adrian Tolentino, 32, Financial Planner, 4years working in the UAE
I use an app to block my access from 11pm to 8am. I do this so I can sleep early meditate, read and exercise in the morning.
BJ Cua, 29, Insurance Claims, 4 years working in the UAE
The key here is Discipline. It is up to us how we should prioritize our time; we cannot eat Facebook for lunch anyways.
Maricris Cesumission, 30, Administrative and Accounts Coordinator, 6 years working in the UAE
I sometimes uninstall some social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, especially when I spent too much time browsing.
Kent Sabejon, 27, Senior Accountant, 4 years working in the UAE
Proper mindset. Knowing that social media is a tool you can use, not a tool that uses you. Social media, when used properly, is a very powerful tool that connects people, disseminates information, and provides entertainment. If we use this only on its intended purpose, while keeping in mind that life out there exists, you can keep things balanced. By keeping one’s focus on more important things like work, passion, and hobbies, spending quality time with friends and family, there would be a very small opportunity to be addicted to social media.
Jona Tamondong, 26, Intelligence Researcher, 3 years working in the UAE
Personally, I’m not an active user of social media. But whenever I find myself spending too much time on it, I try to divert my attention into doing more productive activities.
Laurence Montefalcon, 26, Civil Engineer, 2.5 years working in the UAE
I’m not an avid user of various social media platforms. Meaning, I don’t have twitter and Instagram accounts. However, whenever I find myself scrolling too much on Facebook, I immediately turn to my other hobbies.
