Proceedings
The Real Life of Rural Monks in the Age of Online Criticism
- Title
- The Real Life of Rural Monks in the Age of Online Criticism
- Author
- Ashin Tikkhasāra
- Level
- MA
- Class
-
MA Research
Sitagu Buddhist Academy Mandalay - Type
- Research Paper
- Format
- Language
- English
- Subject
- Buddhist Sociology
- Date
- 2026
- Place
- Mandalay
- Publisher
- Sitagu Buddhist Academy Mandalay
- Rights Holder
- Sitagu Buddhist Academy Mandalay
- Abstract
-
This research paper presents a systematic, comprehensive study of the social, physical, and psychological impacts on Buddhist monks in rural Myanmar caused by online criticism, online attacks, fake news, and misinformation—issues that have become highly prevalent in today's 21st-century technological era. For the research process, a qualitative data collection method was utilized. Ten social-media-using monks from various rural areas were selected and studied through in-depth interviews. According to the findings, online attacks such as making sweeping generalizations about the entire monkhood, leveling politically motivated accusations, and spreading moral rumors have crossed over into real-life rural communities. This has resulted in difficulties receiving alms food, a breakdown of trust with lay disciples, and the halting of local development projects. Furthermore, the study reveals that monks suffer severe psychological injuries, including anxiety and stress, social withdrawal due to fear of the community, and low self-esteem. To overcome these pressures, monks employ coping mechanisms such as reflecting on worldly conditions in accordance with Buddhist teachings (Buddhist coping), stopping social media usage (digital detox), and redirecting their focus toward teaching scriptural literature or engaging in hobbies. This research highlights the actual hardships faced by rural monks who experience a gap in technology and information access. It recommends raising awareness among both monks and online users, and stresses the need to improve critical thinking skills regarding online news.
Keywords: Social media, rural monks, psychological impact, coping mechanisms, digital literacy.
- Item sets
- SBAM 6th Annual Seminar Proceedings 2026
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