Self-Identification of Thai Youth Via Metaverse

Abstract

The objectives of this research are 1) to investigate the ways in which Thai youth communicate their identities within the metaverse 2) to examine the level of media literacy among Thai youth in the context of expressing themselves through the metaverse 3) to assess the impact of self-expression within the metaverse on the media literacy of Thai youth. Data were gathered from a random sample of 400 individuals aged 18-25 years, representing various regions in Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Phuket, and Bangkok. The collected data were analyzed, including number, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Additionally, one-way ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were conducted to further explore the relationships within the data. The findings of the study are summarized as follows: 1) The overall level of self-expression through the metaverse among the sample group is relatively low (mean=3.30) Notably, the highest mean score was related to communicating one's unique characteristics, knowledge, abilities, and potential (mean=3.55), indicating a relatively high level of engagement in this aspect. 2) The level of media literacy among the sample group in the context of self-expression within the metaverse is generally high (mean=3.57)

Specifically, the highest average score was associated with the belief that communication within the metaverse can expand one's learning horizons (mean=3.89) indicating a high level of agreement with this perspective. 3) Three key factors were identified as contributors to media literacy in the context of self-expression within the metaverse: (1) Using another person's image, decorating pictures, or manipulating camera angles to communicate with others. (2) Communicating about one's own characteristics, knowledge, abilities, and potential that differ from their actual characteristics. (3) Aiming to make other people encountered within the metaverse satisfied with their appearance or the image presented through the metaverse, rather than their true appearance. These factors together explained 17 percent (R-Square=0.17) of the variance in media literacy.