The Prototype of The Online Communication Process Through Facebook to Promote Peace of Thai Monks

Abstract

The current problems of the online communication through Facebook of some Thai monks at the present time are found to be against the Buddhist principle on Subhāsitavācā (well-spoken speech). Including, there have been fake news, the use of rude words to cause hate speech, and the post on Facebook of worthless content imitating the way of laypeople. This is due to the lack of mindfulness, the lack of adjustment in attitude to be up to the situation, the lack of change in knowledge for new media, the lack of adjustment in skills to create the right content to suit the situation and, the lack of coordination among networks as a team. Therefore, it is necessary for monks to adjust their attitude and seek new knowledge on the communication theory of SMCR by David K. Berlo, the theory of Peace Journalism, “4N”, by Johan Galtung, and the approach on Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by Marshall Rosenberg. The Buddhist peaceful means should also be applied by emphasizing Subhāsitavācā, loving-kindness, compassion and tolerance. Monks should analyze and assess both themselves and the message receivers based on mindfulness and Yonisomanasikāra (wise reflection) as well as observing the facts, feelings, and needs. The messages must have the true, pleasant, timely and useful contents and based on the theory of “4N” and “NVC”. Furthermore, the messages should be designed suitable to Facebook and in a request manner. All of these will lead to the peace promotion of monks through Facebook by means of the Buddhist peaceful means which result in international mindfulness and happiness. An obvious role model is Phra Brahmapundit, a Thai Buddhist monk who has mindfulness, loving-kindness, and wisdom as the base in propagating Dhamma. Not only he is the administrator who supports and lays out the foundation of online media to promote peace, he is also equipped with knowledge on communication theory, a good team, and skills in summarizing the occurring situation which he is able to communicate through the content that is short and concise for the message receivers to easily understand. He is the prototype of online communication through Facebook to promote peace.