Guidelines for Promoting Friendship in Social Media Literacy with Critical Thinking and Integrated Buddhism

Abstract

The use of social media via mobile phones has become highly significant and popular, especially among children, youth, and well-intentioned peers in media literacy. These users act both as message senders and receivers by directly utilizing their mobile devices and preferred social media platforms. If senders and receivers do not develop adequate media literacy, they may unintentionally disseminate incorrect or misleading information to society. Therefore, everyone has a role in fostering a media-literate society—one that is aware of the production, transmission, and reception of factual information. Such awareness can reduce conflict and violence, ultimately leading to a peaceful society. This research article aims to propose guidelines for promoting a peer-supportive society of media literacy through critical thinking grounded in Buddhist principles. The study integrates Buddhist teachings, critical thinking frameworks, and UNESCO’s media and information literacy evaluation framework for analysis. The resulting approach to promoting media literacy from an integrated Buddhist perspective emphasizes maturity and a community of peers collaboratively producing accurate media as a reliable source of information. Buddhist principles underpinning this approach include the Five Spiritual Faculties (indriya) comprising faith (saddhā), morality (sīla), generosity (cāga), wisdom (paññā), and listening (sutā). The Five Precepts emphasize the correct application of mindfulness and wisdom, fostering comprehensive critical thinking. Good social media practice is further guided by the Seven Noble Qualities of a Good Person (Sappurisadhamma): right thinking, right speech, and right conduct—which entail understanding causes and effects, self-awareness, moderation, appropriate timing, knowledge of individuals, and community awareness. The guidelines also stress the importance of providing accurate and unbiased knowledge and opinions, avoiding attachment (chanda-gati), anger (dosa-gati), delusion (moha-gati), and fear (bhayā-gati). Additionally, the principles outlined in the Kālāma Sutta support critical discernment and the avoidance of blind belief in social media consumption and production.

The study’s findings suggest that guidelines for promoting accurate and truthful media literacy at both policy and practice levels should emphasize increasing knowledge about digital access and participation across all age groups. For children and youth, whose maturity levels may not yet be fully developed, it is essential to enhance their knowledge and maturity through curricula focused on ethics, media literacy, communication, digital law, analytical thinking skills, and information transmission and reception skills. Additionally, a system for assessing media literacy and monitoring media usage should be implemented. For adults, efforts should focus on promoting knowledge about the role of supportive peers to foster a society with accurate and safe media. Encouraging positive role models can contribute to effective and responsible media practices within the community.