The Development Process of Positive Social Media Content for Mental Well-being of Social Media Users According to Buddhist Peaceful Means: A Case Study of Buddhamahametta Foundation

Abstract

This research examines the development of positive social media content to support the mental well-being of social media users through the Buddhist Peaceful Means, using the Buddhamahametta Foundation as a case study. The study pursued three objectives: to investigate the problems, causes, and effects related to users’ mental well-being; to identify the factors that make positive social media content effective when grounded in Buddhist Peaceful Means; and to develop an applicable process for content creation in this context. A mixed-methods design was employed, using interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and questionnaire-based data collection with participants associated with the Foundation and the Mettadham TikTok channel. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, while quantitative data were interpreted using descriptive statistics.

The findings indicate that unmindful exposure to negative comments, misinformation, and emotionally charged content can intensify stress, anxiety, distraction, and emotional fatigue among users. At the same time, content shaped by Buddhist values, especially loving-kindness, compassion, wise reflection, right speech, and mindful communication, was perceived as supportive of calmness, emotional regulation, and constructive online interaction. Based on these findings, the study developed a five-element process for positive content creation consisting of Buddhist-based principles, emotional attunement, uplifting multimedia design, interactive engagement, and ethical dissemination. The study concludes that Buddhist Peaceful Means can provide a practical and ethically grounded framework for transforming digital communication into a more supportive environment for mental well-being. This framework may be useful for Buddhist organizations, educators, mental health practitioners, and digital content creators seeking to promote inner peace and responsible online engagement.