The Application of Buddha Dhamma on online Social Media for Promoting Buddhist Holistic Well-Being for Aging Group in Municipality Khonkaen Province

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1) Examine the Buddhist principles that contribute to enhancing the Buddhist well-being lifestyle among elderly groups under the care of municipal authorities in Khon Kaen Province; 2) Study the promotion of well-being among elderly individuals who access Buddhist teachings through social media; and 3) Evaluate the appropriateness of social media platforms used by the elderly in accessing Buddhist teachings and applying them in practice. A mixed-methods research design was employed, with a quantitative sample of 100 participants and a qualitative sample of 40 participants drawn from four municipalities: Ban Thum, Ban Phed, Ban Sila, and Ban Sithan. The research instruments consisted of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, stepwise multiple regression, and qualitative content analysis.

The research found that:

1. The Buddhist principles that contribute to enhancing the Buddhist well-being lifestyle among the elderly group are Dana (generosity), Sila (precepts), Samadhi (concentration), and Sati (mindfulness) at 34.9 followed by the truths of life and principles of social coexistence at 29.5 and Dharma recitation practices at 25.6 All of these are practical principles that emphasize the development of the mind and virtue in daily life.
2. The elderly access Buddhist teachings through social media, preferring to watch and listen to Dharma content via Line and the combined use of multiple applications, accounting for as high as 49.8, reflecting a blended media consumption behavior. There is also a tendency to use YouTube as a secondary channel for viewing Dharma content at 12.0.
3. The evaluation of the model indicated a high level of performance in both accessing Buddhist teachings and applying them in daily life, suggesting that the elderly sample group accessed and integrated Buddhist principles into their everyday lives at a significantly high level.