Glocal intimacies and the contradictions of mobile media access in the Philippines

Abstract

This article looks at mobile media access in the Philippines and the kind of social intimacies that have emerged from it. To frame our discussion, we use the concept of ‘glocal intimacies’. This pertains to how mobile technologies have normalised and intensified the entanglement of people’s relationships of closeness with the ever-shifting and constantly negotiated flows between global modernity and local everyday life. We show that the uneven access that Filipinos have has led to equally uneven ways in which they imagine and enact intimate relationships. Drawing on case studies emblematic of the country’s key income clusters, we point out the emergence of a contradictory situation, wherein those with relatively high-quality access are those who are least dependent on mobile media for their glocal intimacies. Meanwhile, those with relatively low-quality access are those who are actually most dependent on mobile-mediated communication for such intimacies.

Participant Use of Digital Diaries in Qualitative Research: A Strong Structuration Analysis

“…The Philippines is sometimes called the ‘texting capital of the world’ (Paule, 2004; Uy-Tioco & Cabañes, 2021). There is a high level of phone ownership (Silver et al, 2019), with an estimated number of mobile connections equivalent to 138.2% of the population in 2021 (reflecting multiple connections for some citizens) (We Are Social, 2021).…”

“…However, these statistics obscure a pervasive ‘mobile divide’ regarding phone usage and digital literacy within the Philippines. Usage and digital literacy are strongly socially stratified, with disparities disproportionately affecting the socioeconomically (Uy-Tioco, 2019; Uy-Tioco & Cabañes, 2021). Despite the high number of mobile connections, approximately 20% of Filipinos lack access to mobile phones (even shared), while 7% share a phone with others (Silver, et al, 2019b).…”

A Grounded Theory on Conflict Management in Long-Distance Relationships

“…Indeed, experts (Arellano-Carandang, Solis, & Carandang; Caasi, 2014;Edillon, 2008;Fresnoza-Flot, 2009;Fuerbringer, 2007;Kauffman, 2000;Madianou, 2006;Madianou & Miller, 2012a;Miyasaka, 2009;Stephen, 1986;Uy-Tioco, 2004) argued that open and regular communicationisnecessaryforrelationalmaintenance.Consistentandfrequentcommunication betweenmigrantworkersandtheirfamiliesleftbehindreinforcesemotionalties.Italsoallows parentstofulfillparentaldutiesdespitethedistance.Inaddition,opennesshaslongbeenidentified asnecessaryforsolvingconflictsproductively (Gibb,1961).Itisalsoamajorpredictorofrelational satisfaction (Maguire&Kinney,2010).…”

The Role of Information Technology in Managing the Conflicts of Long-Distance Partners

“…AlthoughworkingabroadhasallowedOFWstoprovideforthefinancialneedsoftheirfamilies, therearealsonegativeconsequences.Theseincludedetrimentalimpactsonmaritalrelationships, children 'sbehaviors,mentalhealth,spirituality,traditionalfamilyroles,parentalcare,health,andmoral values-theso-called"socialcosts"oflabormigration(Arellano-Carandang,Solis,andCarandang, 2007;Edillon,2008;Parreñas,2001Parreñas, ,2005.However,thesenegativeimpactscanbepartlyaddressed bypropercommunicationusingIT(Arellano-Carandang,Solis,&Carandang; Caasi,2014;Edillon, 2008;Fresnoza-Flot,2009;Madianou,2006;Madianou&Miller,2012a;Miyasaka,2009,Uy-Tioco, 2004.RegularandfrequentcommunicationbetweenOFWsandtheirfamiliesleftbehindreinforces emotionalties.Italsoallowsparentstofulfillparentaldutiesdespitethedistance,withmanyolder fathersandmotherschoosingtolearnhowtousethecomputersothattheycancommunicateonline.…”