Online Social Media Literacy Effecting the Health of Elderly in Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

            This research on media literacy and its impact on the well-being of the elderly in Maha Sarakham Province has three objectives: 1) to study media literacy and its impact on the well-being of the elderly; 2) to develop the use of social media that impacts the well-being of the elderly in Maha Sarakham Province using ethical principles; and 3) to propose guidelines for promoting media literacy and its impact on the well-being of the elderly in Maha Sarakham Province. This is a mixed-methods research study with a sample size of 400 people obtained using stratified random sampling. Qualitative informants included five individuals: a public health professional, a public relations officer from Maha Sarakham province, a computer operations specialist, a social development and human security officer from Maha Sarakham Provincial Senior Citizens Association. The research instruments were questionnaires and interviews, with a reliability coefficient of .90 Statistical analysis included frequency, percentage, mean standard deviation, and content analysis

            The research findings indicate that: 1.Media literacy and its impact on the well-being of the elderly in Maha Sarakham Province, across all four aspects, is at a high level (X =3.65, S.D. 0.40) When considering each aspect individually. Ranked in descending order of average scores, the first is media access skills (X =3.79, S.D. 0.76), followed by analytical skills skills (X =3.67, S.D. 0.53), creative skills (X =3.57, S.D. 0.46), and evaluative skills (X = 3.55, S.D. 0.47. All interviewees agreed that media literacy is crucial because the elderly are at risk of believing and sharing inaccurate information. Therefore, they should be able to verify information, distinguish between real and fake news, understand laws related to media use, and be aware of the impact of forwarding inappropriate information. 2. The development of social media use that impacts the well-being of the elderly in Maha Sarakham Province, using the Threefold Training (Trisikha), is overall at a high level (X = 3.64, S.D. 0.41). Considering each aspect, ranked in descending order of average scores, the first is physical well-being (X = 3.68, S.D. 0.45), followed by mental well-being (X = 3.61, S.D. 0.39), and the aspect with the lowest average score is intellectual well-being (X = 2.79, S.D. 0.42). Interviewees believe that developing the use of online media by the elderly using the Buddhist principles of mindfulness, wisdom, loving-kindness, and compassion results in the elderly using media cautiously, sharing only useful information, and adapting well to technology, which is essential for creating happiness and well-being for both themselves and the community. 3.The presentation of guidelines for promoting social media literacy that impacts the well-being of the elderly in the province is overall at a high level overall (X = 3.66, S.D. 04.3). Suggestions include relevant agencies providing knowledge on online media use to the elderly, and subsequently organizing media use training for the elderly in communities. Close family members can teach and guide them. Information gathered during interviews on approaches to promoting social media literacy included creating learning communities through online groups using platforms already used by the elderly, such as LINE or Facebook Groups. A support team (comprising community health volunteers, public health officials, and academics) was formed to provide advice, guidance, and problem-solving. A platform for exchanging problems, sharing experiences, and answering questions about fake news and health information was also established.