WEEK 5: UNPACKING THE SELF PART 2: THE MATERIAL, SPIRITUAL & DIGITAL SELF

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the week:
1. Understand the meaning of materialist concepts.
2. Understand the essence of ethics in one’s life.
3. Determine the causes of materialism.
4. Know the nature and role of morality.
5. Identify the impact of materialism and consumerism on the “self”; and
6. Discuss values and its roles in self-image; and
7. Appreciate unique ways to attain happiness.
8. Understand existential humanism in relation to the formation of the “self”.

DURATION:

4 hours

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
 Explore the different aspects of self and identity.
 Demonstrate critical, reflective thought in integrating the various aspects of self and
identity.
 Identity the different forces and institutions that impact the development of various
aspects of self and identity.
 Examine one’s self against the different aspects of Self discussed in class.

AREA OF COMPETENCY:
CRITICAL THINKING/COMMUNICATION

REFERENCES

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYdGTq1R4yWCRrWrD3I6bGA6bBW43UY9c&fb
clid=IwAR2yetqEu2pxEbkQdcj0uPaZm5WbloOhP1ZAPvA0gSAnF6VuupOk3qWfA-4
Understanding the Self Preliminaries, CHED
https://www.slideshare.net/mickylyf/understand-self-63653956
Magalona, Ethel D. et. al. “Understanding the Self”. Mindshapers Co., Inc., 2018.

MATERIALS NEEDED/TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

- Ballpen
- Oslo paper, ginupit na short-bondpaper size

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 1 Spiritual & Digital Self)
 INFORMATION SHEET NO. 5: The Material and Spiritual Self

THE MATERIAL SELF

The Nature of Materialism
- Purports that all that is found in the universe is matter which is the substance of nature. It
suggests therefore that material possession is all that matters most. Success, happiness
and the essence of individual existence are gauged by material prosperity which one has
gained in a lifetime.
- The pursuit of happiness is largely anchored on what we can buy, how quick we can adapt
to the changes in technology as well how well we can keep pace with the status quo.
- As human nature dictates, we are blinded by the growing consumerism and commercialism
around us. Our self-esteem, as well as self-worth, has been greatly determined by our
accumulation of objects.
Reasons for Materialism
Consumerism is motivated by the following reasons:
1. It is alleged that material possessions provide these individuals with a feeling of security as
their money and property provide them with tangible assets;
2. It is alleged that wealth gives them a sense of well-being as they alleged that this material
wealth provides them with happiness;
3. It is alleged that material wealth boosts their self-esteem and self-confidence as they believe
that they possess those assets that not everybody has; and
4. It is alleged that cherished wealth provides an individual with more friends and relationships
through greater interaction.
The Concept of Self-Gift
Three factors determine that self-gifts are revelations of an individual’s materialism:
1. Materialism is often associated with self-centeredness. Often the individual would prefer
to be indifferent of others as well as separate from the majority. The need to be alone and
alienated is imminent. Self-centeredness means prioritizing the self while showing evident
lack of empathy on the plight of others;
2. Materialists define success according to how much wealth and property was
amassed. They usually utilize possessions in self-definition. They have the evident
tendency to define success in terms of the quality and amount of one’s acquired wealth.
3. Materialists believe that happiness results from the relationship between buying and
consumption. Self-gift can be a source of intense happiness among materialists. It provides
them with very positive emotions. Gifts result in intense, positive feelings. Self-gift prevents
negative emotions such as depression, emptiness and sadness as it provides therapy to the
materialists.
The Correlates of Materialism
Several variable are correlated with the concept of materialism which were deduced from studies
and surveys conducted to determine the effects of materialism to self-conceptualization.
1. Materialism and happiness reportedly do not go well together as it was shown that people
who value possessions and material wealth over other more significant life goals are said to
be less happy and are more prone to depression;
2. Materialism and self-esteem show an inverted relationship. The desire for much material
possessions manifests low self-esteem. It only proves that the demand for gadgets and
techie possessions are signs that the individual has a low self-esteem.
3. Materialism and financial stability show an inverted relationship as well. Spending, of course,
does not promote sharing and saving. Shopaholics are, of course, proof to this as they
cannot control their desire to spend using their credit cards for objects that they do not
actually need.

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 2 Spiritual & Digital Self)
 4. Materialism and well-being manifest opposite relationship as individuals practicing this
principle tend to isolate themselves from the significant others as they continue to derive
gratification from amassing objects rather than interacting with the people around them.
5. Materialism and self-concept prove how insecurity motivates people to work so hard for
material possessions as the same wealth becomes their source of security. Hence the
absence of these objects means a great degree of emptiness and the feeling of deficiency.
6. Materialism and lack of engagement mean losing one’s ability to empathize with others as
they become callous to other people’s needs. Their ability to accumulate possessions
separates them from others who they consider as inferior.
Extended Self – a concept on existence developed from the insight of Russell Belk back in 1988
where he reiterated that our material possessions are largely a reflection of our identities.
According to Gregoire (2017), materialism makes people unhappy for the following reasons:
1. Consumer culture may be harming individual well-being. Young adults born in this
period of affluence are less happy and are subjected to risk of depression and mental
disorder as their well-being is not positively influenced by consumerism. Allegedly those who
pursue more wealth and greater material possessions are less satisfied as they experience
less positive emotions.
2. Materialistic values are linked to Type-A behavior. Those who are highly ambitious are
highly competitive and materialistic. These are traits of Type-A personality. A 2008 study
published in the Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology supported the revelations that Type-A
qualities include the motivation to acquire much wealth and material possessions and are
highly aggressive as well.
3. Money really can’t buy your happiness. Several studies have shown that wealthy people
are highly susceptible to depression. There is no direct correlation between over-all well-
being, happiness and wealth. What matters is that basic needs are satisfied. Researches
have also shown that money is not exactly what brings about the dissatisfaction and the
unhappiness but the extreme desire to earn more.
4. Materialism could ruin your relationships. In a research published in the Journal of
Couple & Marriage Therapy involving 1,700 couples it was revealed that those partners who
are materialistic showed lower marital quality compared to those who are less materialistic.
Materialistic values result to low-quality relationship and disconnectedness. And since this
kind of people are less pro-social and emphatic about others, they are less happy and
contended with life as well as with their relationships. Indeed, money cannot buy us
happiness.
5. Consumer cultures may breed narcissistic personalities. Consumer culture highly
contributes to the development of Narcissistic behavior and personalities. Narcissists are
highly arrogant as they are deeply concerned with inadequacy. They work a lot for power
and prestige to cover up their perceived emptiness and low self-worth. All these sentiments
demand validation from others through praises, compliments and approval.
6. Consumerism is fueled by insecurity. In 2002, a research study published in the journal
Psychology and Marketing revealed that those are extremely doubtful of their self-worth are
highly insecure and thus have the tendency to be more materialistic. Consumerism
capitalizes on this insecurity so their products and services will sell and be highly demanded.
This could be exemplified by advertisements emphasizing that “white is beautiful” and
proliferated through social networking sites. In effect, those who are highly insecure about
their complexion would demand for products and services that will alter their natural skin
color. Consumerism has created and offered every product that will address every
dissatisfaction and insecurity. It promoted a belief system and culture that promotes
consuming as the path to self- and social improvement, according to Stephanie Kaza of the
University of Vermont.

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 3 Spiritual & Digital Self)
The Pursuit of Happiness
Below are various ways to appreciate our own uniqueness and be genuinely joyous about it.
1. Learn to share your blessings no matter how simple it is;
2. Improve your self-esteem and self-worth by engaging in worthwhile activities;
3. Learn to communicate and relate with people around you;
4. Take time to appreciate the beauty of life and God’s creations;
5. Be grateful to those who compliment you by returning the favor;
6. Focus on your strengths and not on your flaws;
7. Stop projecting in media accounts about what you have and others do not;
8. Learn to let go of things that are not significantly needed;
9. Develop a mantra to counter the negativities entering your thoughts; and
10. Stop brewing on negativities and on hurtful past. Focus on the future and what you can
do to be productive and happy.

THE SPIRITUAL SELF

A holistic understanding of the “self”, the “persona” as well as one’s unique “identity” involves our
perception and understanding of the overt and covert traits of the individual. What underlies an
individual’s decision should be scrutinized to have a better assessment of the “self”. One’s
behavior is determined by his mind which in turn is motivated by his “spirit”. Every decision that
we make holds us liable. The corresponding consequences of our decisions become our
responsibility.
Morality – a principle concerning how individuals distinguish what is right from what is wrong.
- From the latin word “moralitas” which denotes manner, character and proper behavior.
- A differentiation of intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are distinguished
as proper and those that are improper, the disjunction between right and wrong.
- In determining morality, “freewill” becomes an important element as individuals are
provided a “freedom of decision” as they are not forced into performing something which is
against their will as one is always considered liable for his acts.
Values – is the worth that we assign to things that we possess.
- It is something that one considers to be important.
- An abstraction that is manifested in our actions.
- Example: Honesty and sincerity which may be manifested in our desire to tell the truth
even in the midst of extreme financial constraint or other challenging moments in this
human life. A sincere person is true to his word that he will do what he promised.
- Some value which include the following in effect project the identity and the image that we
have formed in the course of performing our daily tasks. It reveals the course to which our
identity as an individual is being directed.
1. Loyalty – faithfulness to words we speak; devoted in relationships; conscientious to
our duty.
2. Sincerity – truthfulness to promises; openness and transparency about one’s thoughts
3. Kindness – benevolence and gentleness in how one treats other people.
4. Compassion – humane and sympathetic about what others are undertaking.
5. Courage – bravery in the midst of difficulties.
6. Perseverance – steadfast and persistent to attain life goals.
7. Cheerfulness – positivity and light-heartedness even during adversities.
8. Optimism – having a sense of gratitude to appreciate what one possess.
9. Respect – courtesy, reverence for those in authority and of seniority.
10. Volunteerism – initiative to extend help to those in dire need.
11. Integrity – more uprightness for greater credibility.

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 4 Spiritual & Digital Self)
Personal Value – provide an internal reference for what is good, beneficial, important, useful,
beautiful, desirable, constructive, etc.
Value Judgement – is a judgement of a specific values system as either right or wrong based on
one’s particular set of standards or value system.
- It is an injunction that reiterates that an act be carried out while judging a certain value
according to personal evidence. There should be consonance with deeper convictions while
searching for objective, verifiable, public, and consensual set of evidence for the opinion.
- It connotes that a conclusion is insular, one-sided, and not objective.
- It is contradictory with judgements based upon deliberation, balance and public evidence.
- It refer to judgement based on a considered appraisal of information at hand, taken to be
incomplete and evolving.
- It refers to an individual’s opinion. Of course, the individual’s opinion is formed to a degree
by their belief system, and the culture to which they belong.
- A value judgement formed within a specific value system may be parochial, and may be
subject to dispute in a wider audience.
- Value judgements involve aesthetical, ethical, ideological, moral, theological and other
interpretations and cannot be reduced to arguable statements of fact.
Existential Humanism and the “Self”
- This is a principle focusing on the human subject struggling for self-knowledge and self-
responsibility.
- It is stated that the best use of our capacity for making choices is to freely choose to live a
fully human life, rooted in a personal search for values, rather than an external code.
Construct of Self (Self-concept) – The self is constantly evolving and changing from childhood
and eventually it incorporates the self-image into one whole self.
- Humanists believe that a person has the capacity to change his/her behavior and has the
internal mechanism to heal and grow as individuals.
- Each individual has the capacity to choose and to determine a course of action.
- Anguish leads people to realize that their actions guide humanity and allows them to make
judgements about others based on their attitude towards freedom.

DIGITAL SELF
- Each has a digital self which is what we use to be a part of the technological world.
- This digital self is a decoy that we use to conceal our real self.
- As we share ourselves to the world, we try to hide our true self to cover up the issues that
we have about ourselves and show the world that we are fine and perfect.
- Studies have revealed how online decisions and preferences reflect tidbits about an
individual’s personality and identity.
- Each individual possesses personalities according to his/her current situation which in turn
reveals his/her digital identity.
The Impact of Digital Advancements to Identity
1. Disconnectedness – The increasing use of gadgets and presence in the social media
results in being disconnected from the people around us. As we rush to check and connect
to the online world, we neglect to interact face-face with those who demand our attention
2. Developing and Nurturing Virtual Relationship – The progressive development in the
features of social networking sites allows individuals to gain thousands of friends and even
millions of followers. This eventually leads to creating virtual relationships which satisfies the
need for relationships and intimacy. However, as this can provide positive impact on the

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 5 Spiritual & Digital Self)
 individual, the same can also cause inability to maintain face to face relationships which
demands more personal adjustments and understanding of human differences.
3. Online Recklessness –The digital world provides us with the chance of expressing our
thoughts and viewpoints from the confines and comforts of our room but do we really use
this freedom with a sense of responsibility? If we state an unconventional response that can
trigger public outrage or collective reaction from all of those who can see our raw reactions,
are we willing to stand for the consequences? We are all liable for our acts but many have
revealed the tendency is to be reckless and irresponsible. They cannot regulate and monitor
on their expression of emotions. After the damage has been done through the posting of
opinions or personal reactions online, the next step is to delete the same. This is definitely a
manifestation of extreme recklessness which does not in any way help in the development
of maturity among individuals.
4. Distorted Identity Formation – The digital world offers the opportunity to create several
identities to our heart’s desire. The identity we desire to project online may either reflect our
true self or our ideal self. However, as we work for affirmation from our online friends, we
tend not to be truthful to ourselves. Indeed, nobody wanted to be rejected, everyone desires
to be loved and accepted but as the online world offers varied ways to enhance our image
then that becomes our tool to create “new identity” that will guarantee acceptance by the
valued online friends and followers despite the deviation from what is real.
5. A Significant portion of our lives is being broadcasted – The online world gives its users
the chance to have the “celebrity feel”. We pose everything from food to travel to relationship
status and minor or major events in our life. If analyzed well, it shows that every detail of
what we post online is for public consumption. Without considering the risks and the
hazards, the online world has evidently become an outlet for most of us.
Reasons for Engaging in the Digital Hype
Considering that most individuals have an interest in creating an identity which may be a lot
different from our real life persona then the digital web provides the best avenue to achieve that
fresh change anytime we desire to engage and eventually disengage. This relatively interesting
venture in the vast digital world created much hype among young and older generations alike. It
offers a unique experience which makes great impact on the way individuals express themselves
as largely the same sentiment is driven by the following basic reasons:
1. Every individual desires to meet the expectation of the significant others in his/her life.
2. Online posting of objects as well as current statuses is expected to receive responses and
reactions from their followers as in the form of “likes” and “shares”. These are gestures that
boost their ego and self-esteem.
3. Everyone desires to “blend-in”. And so when everyone on the social media poses photos of
his/her food then all others follow the fad. Uploading of these images creates a feeling of
being part of the hype.
4. The digital world allow the individual to achieve his or her “ideal self” whether it is physical
such as those provided by online applications to improve their images physically. And it
could also be emotionally as platform users can express themselves by “vlogging” or
whichever manner results in an emotional experience that makes one feel “good” about his
or her self.

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 6 Spiritual & Digital Self)
 SELF CHECK NO. 5

Name:_________________________________________ Date Answered:_______________

Year Level: ___________________ Gender: _________________ Score: ________ / 30

DIRECTION: Provide what is being asked by the following questions. Write your answer at the
back of this sheet. Use a separate paper if necessary. (5points each)

1. Define the concepts below according to your own insights.

a. Shopaholics
b. Self-gift

2. Enumerate some of the concrete acts that you have performed that will show certain
values as enumerated below.
a. Loyalty
b. Volunteerism

3. Analyze the message being imparted in the following statements:

a. “The real danger is not that computers will begin to think like men, but that men
will begin to think like computers.” – Sydney J. Harris
b. “Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” – Christian Lous Lange

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 7 Spiritual & Digital Self)
 JOBSHEET NO. 5

Name:_________________________________________ Date Answered:_______________

Year Level: ________________ Gender: ______________ Score: _____________ / 100
Performance Objective: Be able to create a 500-word essay that demonstrates critical,
reflective thought in integrating the various aspects of self and identity.

Procedure:
1. Secure a copy of the movie entitled “Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) top billed by the actor Will
Smith and Jaden Smith.
2. Compose a 500-word essay reflection about the message conveyed by the film with emphasis
on the following questions:
a. Based on the experience of Chris Gardner, does accumulating material things makes a
person happy?
b. How values and core beliefs are related, in connection with building self-esteem, which
qualifies Chris Gardner in obtaining the stockbroker position?
c. Observe how Chris Gardner develops “face-to-face” relationship in order to win his
prospects, do you think that it is still relevant in our present time when you can engage
with people virtually? Prove your answer.
3. You may use “taglish” language but easy-to-understand english language is a plus. WRITE
YOUR ANSWER ON THE BACK OF THE WORKSHEET.
4. Make sure the worksheet to be submitted is clean and neat.

RUBRICS CONTENT EXPLANATION

*Explanation / Reflection
*3 question are answered clearly.
demonstrates critical, reflective
EXCELLENT *Consist of 500 pure English
thought astoundingly in integrating
= 50 language that is clear and
the various aspects of self and
understandable.
identity.
*2-3 questions are answered. *Explanation / Reflection
ACCOMPLISHED *Consists of 250-500 mixed demonstrates critical, reflective
= 48 English and Filipino language that thought in integrating the various
is clear and understandable. aspects of self and identity.
*1 question is answered clearly. *Explanation / Reflection doesn’t
DEVELOPING *Consists of 1-249 words or demonstrates critical, reflective
= 45 English language used is not so thought clearly in integrating the
easy to understand. various aspects of self and identity.
FAIL = 20 20= No content upon submission 20 = No content upon submission

SCORE

DEVELOPER ZANDER ALLEN S. FLORES UNDERSTANDING

THE SELF
DATE DEVELOPED FEBRUARY 16, 2021 (Unpacking the Self: Material,
PAGE NO. 8 Spiritual & Digital Self)