Media Literacy among the Elderly in the Digital Era: A Case Study of Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

This research aims to study the level of media literacy and analyze the factors influencing the media literacy of elderly people in Pathum Thani Province. The research employed a survey methodology. The sample consisted of elderly individuals aged 60 and above, totaling 400 people, selected through convenience sampling from the elderly population living in Pathum Thani Province during the research period, with a total population of 182,450 people. The research instrument used for the study was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.The results showed that older adults in Pathum Thani province had a high level of media literacy (mean 3.63). Factors that significantly influenced media literacy were age (β=0.160, p=0.002), current occupation (β=0.141, p=0.005), and membership in senior clubs/schools (β=0.141, p=0.006), which together explained 14.8% of media literacy. Specifically, older adults aged 60-64 who were still employed and members of senior clubs had higher media literacy levels than other groups. Additionally, factors that did not influence media literacy were gender (β=0.074, p=0.140) and living status (β=0.056, p=0.252).The key recommendations from this study are to develop integrated media literacy promotion policies, establish digital learning centers in each district, develop age-specific curricula, create a network of digital volunteers, and strengthen the role of elderly clubs as learning resources to reduce the digital divide.