The Influence of Digital Media on Political Attitudes and National Security

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital media has significantly reshaped political communication and
public engagement in Thailand, raising concerns about its implications for political attitudes
and national security. This study examines the effect of digital media exposure on political
attitudes and how these attitudes influence perceptions of national security risks among Thai
citizens. Using a mixed-methods explanatory design, quantitative data were collected from a
nationwide survey of 400 social media users and analyzed using regression and structural
equation modeling techniques. The results show that digital media exposure and perceived
information credibility significantly shape political attitudes, which in turn strongly predict
perceptions of national security risks, including misinformation, political instability, and public
order concerns. Exposure to online misinformation further amplifies these perceived risks.
Qualitative interviews support the quantitative findings, highlighting information overload,
political polarization, and concerns over national unity. The findings underscore the dual role
of digital media as both a catalyst for political engagement and a source of potential security
challenges, offering important implications for digital governance, media literacy, and policy
development in Thailand.