Determinants of Political Disinformation Sharing: A Survey of Bangkokians (Pre-Recorded)

• In Event: Disinformation Across Platforms and Contexts

Abstract

Although the use of disinformation for political gains has been around since, almost assuredly, the existence of mass media, the emergence of social media platforms a decade ago has exacerbated the dissemination of “fake news” as it allows the information to spread more widely, more rapidly, and more timely than ever before. This research project aims to identify factors that affect individuals’ susceptibility to disinformation and misinformation largely available online through a survey conducted among more than 2,000 individuals residing in Bangkok, Thailand. We suspect that many factors may determine one’s decision to share a political fake news; this may include the person’s socioeconomic status, media literacy, and online behavior. More importantly, though, we speculate that these factors are of secondary importance when compared to heuristic cues like partisanship or ideology. This research bring about some unique practical implications. Notably, our findings may help stakeholders develop a better understanding about the nature and dynamics of disinformation sharing, particularly in Thai context. Such improved understanding, ultimately, may lead to a more systematic and effective policymaking to combat the disinformation sharing issue.

Author

• Surachanee Sriyai, Chulalongkorn University