When Filipinos chat with family, friends and co-workers using Facebook Messenger and other platforms, politics is avoided, according to a Pulse Asia survey, as one of Asia's most vibrant democracies heads into another potentially divisive election.
Some 99% of Filipino adults use instant messaging apps with 98% having a Messenger account but around 78% to 83% say they don't talk about politics when they communicate virtually, according to a Sept. 6 to 11 poll of 2,400 respondents with a +/-2% error margin.
"Politics is not discussed by most Filipino adults when they communicate with different groups via instant messaging applications," Pulse Asia said.
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While a majority of Filipinos at 94% use instant messaging apps to talk to their family members and close friends (92%), a big number of them also apparently avoid discussing politics, the government, and the elections through the platform.
The Pulse Asia poll showed that eight out of 10 Filipinos or 80% do not discuss the said issues with their families on instant messaging apps. Of those who chat with close friends online, 78% said they don't discuss politics and the government.
Even among those who discuss politics via instant messaging apps with their family members, the topic doesn't come up frequently too with only 1% saying they discuss it more than once a day.
Majority or 40% of those who discuss political matters with family members via instant messaging apps said they do so around once a week, similar to those who talk about politics with close friends at 38%.
So if you're wondering if politics is a taboo topic in the family group chat, you're not alone.