BUDDHIST INTEGRATION FOR POLITICAL INFORMATION PERCEPTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA AMONG PEOPLE IN MUEANG DISTRICT, NAKHON RATCHASIMA PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) study the level of political information awareness from social media; 2) compare public opinion on political information awareness from social media, categorized by personal factors; and 3) propose a Buddhist integration for political information awareness from social media. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative research using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.851, a sample population of 397 people, and statistical analyses including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, F-test, and one-way ANOVA (for three or more independent variables, pairwise comparisons of means using the least significant difference method). Qualitative research involved interviews with nine key informants. The results showed that: 1. The overall level of political information awareness from social media among the population in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, was moderate. 2. A comparison of public opinion on political information awareness from social media, categorized by personal factors, revealed no significant differences in opinions among those with different genders, ages, education levels, monthly incomes, and occupations, thus rejecting the research hypothesis. 3. A Buddhist integration for political information awareness from social media among the population in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, based on the Three Principles of Integrity, was proposed. This includes: 1) Physical Integrity (acting rightly with the body), 2) Right conduct (acting rightly with the body), and 3) Proposing a Buddhist integration for political information awareness from social media. 1) Do not spread fake news on social media. Do not use abusive language when commenting in public. Avoid making comments that incite hatred towards others. 2) Speak truthfully and behave properly with your words. Verify information before speaking or sharing news with others. Do not lie, slander, or distort the truth. 3) Think truthfully and behave properly with your heart. Do not harbor jealousy or wish harm to others. Try to think positively towards others. Carefully consider information before believing or making a decision.