Chapter 1

Introduction to the Study

This chapter includes: (1) Background and Theoretical

Framework of the Study, (2) Statement of the Problem and the

Hypothesis, (3) Significance of the Study, (4) Definition of

Terms, and (5) Delimitation of the Study.

Part One, Background, presents the rationale for

selecting the present problem and the study’s frame of

reference that strengthens the reason for investigation.

Part Two, Theoretical and Conceptual Framework,

discusses the principles and the ideas on which the study is

anchored, and the various variables surrounding the problems

onto which the problem may have relation with or influence.

Part Three, Statement of the Problem, states the

general and specific objectives of the study, which are to

be addressed in the study.

Part Four, Significance of the Study, discusses the

benefits each end–user may derive from, and how each can

profit from the results.

Part Five, Definition of Terms, defines both

conceptually and operationally the key terms and variables

used in the study.

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Part Six, Delimitation of the Study, specifies the

limits as well as boundaries of the research in terms of

variables, participants, instruments, and statistical tools

used in the study.

Background and Theoretical Framework of the Study

Social media's pervasiveness in today's society has

significantly impacted the lives of many, including high

school students, changing how they engage with others,

communicate, express themselves, and disseminate and obtain

information. Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram,

TikTok, and Twitter serve not only as tools for

communication but also as spaces for self-expression, social

interaction, and information gathering. However, a greater

understanding of social media netiquette—the rules of

appropriate and responsible online conduct—is required due

to our growing reliance on digital platforms.

Derived from "Internet etiquette," netiquette includes

a number of important rules. These include being aware of

the subtleties of online communication, making sure that

interactions are well mannered, comprehending and making

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good use of privacy settings, and realizing the long-term

effects and possible repercussions of posts made online

(Ling & Chen, 2024). Respecting netiquette is essential to

using social media responsibly. However, there is huge gap

between the ideal of appropriate online conduct and what

many young users actually experience. The worrying growth in

careless online behaviors including cyberbullying, online

harassment, and the dissemination of false information is a

result of a significant portion of high school students'

inadequate knowledge of netiquette (Kiraly et al., 2020).

This deficiency underscores the urgent need for all-

encompassing educational initiatives that promote

responsible digital citizenship, stressing the moral

implications of online behavior and the value of civil

online interactions. Additionally, social media companies

themselves must play a vital role in offering transparent,

easily accessible, and uniformly enforced policies and

resources that actively encourage good online conduct and

reduce harmful content.

Because of their developmental stage, high school

students in particular are susceptible to the possible

hazards of social media. Online contacts can have a big

impact on adolescence, a time of intensive social

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exploration, identity building, and a heightened desire for

peer approval. The importance of comprehending high school

kids' comprehension of netiquette and how it affects their

online behavior is highlighted by this developmental

context. Research in this field can help identify important

areas that need educational intervention and guide the

creation of tactics to encourage safer online spaces.

This study intends to evaluate the degree of knowledge of

social media netiquette among high school students at Dao

National High School. It is driven by observations of

unethical online behavior within the school community and a

lack of netiquette awareness among many students. By

examining this awareness, the study hopes to pinpoint

certain areas in which educational interventions are most

required and to aid in the creation of practical plans for

encouraging this vulnerable group to utilize social media in

an ethical and responsible manner.

This study focused on the demographic factors (age,

gender, grade level, and socio-economic status) as the

independent variable and awareness on social media

netiquette as the dependent variable.

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of the study.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

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Demographic
factors of the Awareness on
respondent high Social Media
school student Netiquette
 Age
 Gender
Figure 1. The schematic diagram showing the relationship
 Grade between
level the demographic factors and awareness on
 Socio-social media netiquette among high school students
Economic
in dao national high school.
status

Statement of the Problem and Hypothesis

The primary purpose of the study was to determine the

relationship between the demographic factors and awareness on

social media netiquette among high school students of Dao

National High School for the school year 2024-2025.

Specifically, this study will seek answers to the

following questions:

1. What is the level of awareness on social media

netiquette among high school students in Dao National High

School?
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2. Is there a significant relationship between

demographic factors and social media netiquette among high

school students in Dao National High School?

3. How do demographic factors influence high school

students understanding of social media netiquette in Dao

National High School?

Based on the stated problem of this study, the

following hypothesis will be formed:

1. There is no significant relationship between

demographic factors and social media netiquette among

high school students in Dao National High School

Significance of the Study

The results of this study may be beneficial to the

students, teachers, principals and supervisors, parents, and

future researchers.

Students. This study will help students to gain

knowledge about social media netiquettes and to develop

responsible social media habits.

Teachers. The outcome of this study will provide

teachers with valuable insight and strategies to teach

effective social media netiquette in classroom.

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Principals and Supervisors. This study may aid the

school principal and supervisors in creating school policies

and programs with insights on social media netiquette

awareness.

Parents. This study will help parents understand their

children’s online behavior, parents can better guide them in

practicing good social media netiquette and monitor their

online activities.

Future Researchers. This study may be valuable and

helpful to future researchers, this study can provide

advance understanding of social media netiquette awareness

among youth for future studies.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding, the following terms will be

defined conceptually and operationally:

Social Media – refers to website and applications that

enable users to create and share content or to participate

in social networking (Oxford Dictionary).

In this study, “social media” referred to online

platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.) where

high school students share, interact, and connect.

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Netiquette – refers to norm and expectations for online

behavior (Wisniewski et al., 2019).

In this study, “netiquette” referred to the respectful

online behavior and digital etiquette among high school

students.

Demographic Factors – refers to the characteristics of

individuals or groups that distinguish them from others (Hair

et al., 2019).

In this study, “demographic factors” referred to the

characteristics of high school students, including age,

gender, grade level, and socio-economic status, that

influence their awareness and practice of social media

netiquette.

Delimitation of the Study

The purpose of this study will determine the awareness

on social media netiquettes of high school students of Dao

National High School for the school year 2024-2025.

The survey-correlational research design will be used

to determine the relationship between variables.

Purposive sampling will be utilized in choosing the 60

respondents among high school students.

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To determine the level of disaster awareness, the

Awareness on Disaster Related Issues Questionnaire by

Ejercito (n.d.) will used.

The independent variable in this study will be the

demographic factors (age, gender, grade level, and socio-economic

status) while the dependent variable will be the social media

netiquette.

Mean, frequency, percentage, and standard deviation as

descriptive statistical tools will be used for data

analysis. Moreover, the Pearson r will be used as

inferential statistical tools to determine the significance

of relationship. The significance level will be set to 5%

alpha for all inferential analysis.