An Analysis of Problems and Solutions of Social Problems Based on Humanism in the Prize-winning Short Stories of the Thai Science Fiction Short Story Competitions, During 2016 – 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims: Background and Objectives: This study aims to analyze the role of Thai science fiction literature as a mirror reflecting societal issues in the digital age through a humanist framework that emphasizes human dignity and values. The primary objectives are: (1) to analyze the structural presentation of seven categories of social problems in award-winning short stories from the Science Fiction Short Story Competition (2016-2023), and (2) to examine humanist-oriented solutions across ethical dimensions, fundamental rights, and social sustainability.

Methodology: An interdisciplinary approach combining three levels of qualitative research was employed: 1) Content analysis through documentary research of 122 award-winning stories from the Science Fiction Short Story Competition (2016-2023), 2) Humanist interpretation, and 3) Systematic synthesis of solutions using humanist frameworks.

Results: Analysis of the award-winning stories revealed critical issues in ethics, technological development, environmental sustainability, social justice, and human identity, interconnected with humanist perspectives as follows: (1) Research Ethics: Unethical technological surveillance, non-consensual human experimentation. Solutions: Transparent data protection policies and ethical review mechanisms. (2) Environmental Impact: Resource overexploitation disrupts ecosystems. Solutions: Clean technology development, international cooperation, and error-learning social models. (3) Social Justice: State control infringing human rights, individual-state power conflicts. Solutions: Collaborative responsibility and public participation in policymaking. (4) Identity Crisis: Cloning-induced identity confusion. Solutions: Recognition of consciousness diversity and self-identity rights. (5) Rights & Accountability: Emotion-control technology for state power consolidation. Solutions: Freedom of expression promotion and public oversight mechanisms. (6) Warfare: Human-AI wars threatening civilization. Solutions: Ethical technology governance and human-AI coexistence systems. (7) Institutional Inequality: Resource disparity from closed power structures. Solutions: Social institution reforms for inclusive participation and inequality reduction.

Conclusion: The research demonstrates that humanism addresses socio-technological challenges through many key approaches: centering human dignity, balancing progress with ethics, decentralizing decision-making power, and employing science to enhance life quality rather than control humanity.