The Power of Buddhist Young Volunteers for Fake News Alerts in the Digital Age

Abstract

The research article consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the processes of cultivating fake news alerts on Buddhism among Buddhist young volunteers in the digital age; 2) to take lessons learned from activities involving the power of Buddhist young volunteers for fake new alerts in the digital age; and 3) to explore the suitable guidelines on the power of Buddhist young volunteers for fake new alerts in the digital age. A qualitative research method was used in the study. The data collection tools for the study included an in-depth interview form, an observation form, and guidelines for focus group discussions. From the study, the following results are found:

          1) The processes of cultivating fake news alerts on Buddhism among Buddhist young volunteers in the digital age include the processes of threatening and dealing with fake news creators, producing fake news, and examining fake news.

          2) Through the after-action review (AAR), the lessons learned were drawn from activities involving the power of Buddhist young volunteers for fake new alerts in the digital age as follows:

          The first process is "Threatening and dealing with fake news," which allows participants to learn about the network of social and digital media, as well as the origin, goals, and harm caused by fake news.

          The second process is "Fake news creators," which allows participants to learn about the techniques used to create fake news, enabling them with critical thinking skills in creating fake news and allowing them to apply the skills as media consumption tools.

          The third process is "Techniques for Examining Fake News," which teaches participants how to examine fake news using Buddhist teachings such as Kālāmasutta (advice on how to investigate doubtful matters) and Yonisomasikāra (thorough attention).

          3) The suitable guidelines on the power of Buddhist young volunteers for fake new alerts in the digital age are: (1) The guidelines for fake news alerts in the digital age; (2) The process of cultivating fake news alerts; and (3) The guidelines for screening fake news. Keywords: Alert; Fake News; Young Buddhists.