Navigation to Stigma from Peers and the World

Limited access to technology weakens students’ confidence and participation.

Have you ever wondered why there are academic differences in every school, and how this causes social stigma and peer pressure? Are social and technological barriers challenges that pose to student learning engagement and self-esteem? In today’s podcast, I will be answering these questions. As someone who is currently studying

in Ateneo and trying to answer these two questions, I have always wondered why even one of the top considered schools in the Philippines, still has technological differences that affect student performances. This is why I want to address these problems and make a change in the community. But before we dive deeper into this problem, let us first find out the two main causes of social stigma and peer pressure and how we can mitigate or avoid this.

The first is socio-economic disparities lead to students not being fully involved in activities. Schools implement technology and teach it, but students do not have the internet or a device at home to fully engage in the given activities by the teacher. Also, low-income families have less access to information which requires technology and causes low performance in school.  This makes them fall behind, both academically and socially, frustrating and unfair indeed. They are being deprived of the opportunity to interact more with their peers, creating immense pressure.

Second, the lack of funding in technology makes students always need to catch up in school. Teachers also have a lack of access to information to keep students engaged on the topic, because of the funding of the government in the schools. Also, allocating the proper funds to the students and teachers, so that they can use these kinds of technology to enhance and further improve learning. They can't get out from under the pressure of cultural, social, and academic, like a cycle they can't even get out of.

You're probably thinking, “Yes there is disparity, but most still have access to technology and have no problems with learning.” My response to that would be, it is, you are missing the point, because what about those who don't? As time goes on, more students will have mental health issues because of social stigma and peer pressure, which causes a larger academic disparity. If we can reduce the social stigma and peer pressure from students by providing technology and properly funding schools, we can create a better future and an economy that will help most if not all individuals without having to think about our differences. We always think about the majority, but what about those who are not listened to or noticed? We should make a change and help them, because the more we continue to ignore it, the worse it's going to get.

It is no joke how overlooked social stigma and peer pressure can affect

students' confidence because of the lack of activities without having access to technology, but we can address this issue together by taking small steps to help our country evolve our economy. This is something that we cannot do overnight, but it is a long process. If we persevere throughout this long process, I am certain that we can be a better community with fewer disparities.

That's all for today. I hope this conversation inspires the thought process of how we can, on an individual level, add to diminishing academic disparities and make education accessible to all. It will not be something that can be done overnight, but let's start now. Thanks for tuning in, and I'll catch you on the next one.