BUDDHISM AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY : OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN MODERN DHAMMA PROPAGATION

Abstract

This article sought to examine and critically analyze both the opportunities and challenges inherent in employing digital technologies as instruments for the dissemination of Buddhism in contemporary society. Particular attention was given to the modes of communicating the Dhamma through online media, mobile applications, and diverse digital platforms, which was of great importance for expanding access to the teachings of Buddhism to a wide audience across temporal and spatial boundaries. Such developments not only establish new avenues for engaging with the Dhamma but also create virtual spaces that facilitate knowledge exchange and foster community-building among practitioners and devotees. Nevertheless, this transition simultaneously entails a number of challenges, including the proliferation of inaccurate or distorted representations of the Dhamma, the circulation of misinformation and disinformation, and the prevalence of unreliable digital sources. Furthermore, the reduction of direct interpersonal engagement between the monastic community and lay Buddhists risks undermining the depth of spiritual learning and diminishing the transmission of cultural values that have traditionally been sustained through personal interaction. In response to these dynamics, this article advanced conceptual frameworks and theoretical perspectives relevant to the preservation and revitalization of Buddhism within the digital era, emphasizing its continuing role as a spiritual force and moral anchor in Thai society. The discussion encompassed theoretical insights, analytical frameworks, illustrative case studies, and practical recommendations for immediate implementation. These included : the provision of digital literacy and competency training for monks and Dhamma disseminators; the establishment of standards for online propagation of Buddhist teachings; systematic review and curation of digital Dhamma content; the integration of Buddhist ethical principles into the use of digital technologies; the promotion of community and institutional engagement through digital platforms; and the pursuit of research and innovation to develop novel modalities of Dhamma dissemination that ensure the enduring relevance and accessibility of Buddhism in an era of rapid sociotechnical transformation.