Part 1

• Bridging the Generational Divide: Podcasts as Tools for Intergenerational Understanding among Thailand’s Youth Siwaporn Sukittanon Chiang Mai University

  This presentation discusses the burgeoning global podcast industry, with a specific focus on Thailand and Generation Z. The data reveal a substantial increase in podcast listeners globally, with Thailand showing significant potential for growth. This demographic detail is intertwined with a case study from Chiangmai University’s Faculty of Mass Communication, where Gen Z students are producing podcasts. The podcasts aim to bridge the generational communication gap, primarily between Gen Z and older generations like Baby Boomers and Gen X. The course, 851331 Entertain Program Production 1, enables students to create content for their peers and older generations, encouraging them to understand and reconcile intergenerational differences. An online survey of 102 Gen Z students identified discomfort with older generations, attributing this to divergent views on gender, communication, and politics. The course leverages this discomfort, urging students to address these tensions in their podcast designs. The study will analyze the proposals of Gen Z students for podcast programs using thematic analysis to identify patterns and offer recommendations for using podcasts as a tool to alleviate intergenerational discord. The overarching goal is to foster digital empathy and societal cohesion through targeted educational podcasts.

• The Dynamics of Youth Activism in Contemporary India: Catalysts and Challenges Soumen Mitra Indian Institute of Engineering Science & Technology

  The study explores the dynamic landscape of youth activism in India, illuminating the motivations and transformative power of the young generation in addressing societal, economic, political, and environmental challenges. It articulates the two primary catalysts for youth activism: the lack of basic amenities and ethical societal structures, and the pressing need to address environmental and societal issues for future sustainability. Through a historical lens, it recounts the significant role of Indian youth in the fight for freedom and ongoing societal reforms, noting the current trend of shifting focus from national to community-centric activism facilitated by technology. The rise of digital platforms has revolutionized the means of activism, with social media emerging as a pivotal tool for mobilizing and educating the youth.
  The essay underscores the essential role of civic knowledge and political trust in integrating young people into the fabric of activism, recognizing their diverse cultural contexts and the importance of peer influence over institutional drives. The narrative acknowledges the multifaceted nature of youth activism, characterized by the pursuit of freedom, policy interventions, combat against unemployment and injustice, and resistance to authoritarian educational systems and societal alienation.
  Furthermore, it critiques the “Youth Deficit Model,” advocating instead for a model that listens to, validates, authorizes, and mobilizes the youth. The study points to the positive and negative impacts of activism, from steering societal norms to inadvertently causing division and violence. It highlights the need for policies that bridge education, employment, and social settlement, and recognizes the potential of the youth to act as visionary leaders for profound development rather than revolutionaries for change.
  The narrative concludes by presenting youth activism as a crucial element in shaping a sustainable future, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the potential of the young generation. It advocates for inclusive and flexible policies that address the challenges of education, employment, and societal integration to foster a more stable and prosperous South Asia.

Part 2

• Navigating Resilience and Informed Citizens: The Pillars of an Open Society in the Age of Disinformation Pimonpan Chainan Chiang Mai University

  The concept of the informed citizen is pivotal for democracies valuing openness and transparency. Such citizens actively engage in societal discourse, dedicating time and effort to comprehensively understand policy issues, thereby making well-informed judgments. However, in the era of information overload, disinformation poses a significant challenge. It blurs the line between truth and falsehood, leading to widespread deception. This is particularly problematic within political communication, where misinformation can profoundly affect democratic processes and public opinion. This study focuses on the accumulation and integration of knowledge related to disinformation within the communication studies field in Thailand and ASEAN. Employing meta-analysis, it critically evaluates data from open and accessible academic databases between 2018 and 2022. The research categorizes findings into four key areas: mechanisms of disinformation dissemination, the consequences of information pollution, the enhancement of Media and Information Literacy (MIL), and the variety of policy responses to these challenges. The first area explores the tactics used to spread disinformation, identifying how and why it proliferates. The second assesses the broader impacts of disinformation, particularly how it contaminates the informational ecosystem. The third advocates for the strengthening of MIL, an essential tool for citizens to navigate the complex media landscape. Lastly, the study examines the responses implemented at policy levels, evaluating their effectiveness and suggesting improvements. The expected outcome is a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge regarding disinformation and its implications for ASEAN societies’ political communications. The ultimate goal is to provide citizens with robust guidelines for enhancing media literacy, thereby fostering a more critically engaged populace. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse but also serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, educators, and the general public in combatting the pernicious effects of disinformation. By equipping individuals with the skills to discern reliable information, societies can encourage rational discourse, informed decision-making, and ultimately, a more vibrant and healthy democracy.

• Exploring Naga people of Northeast India and Baptist Christianity: Bridging the Gap between the Youth and Adults Satoshi Ota TAMA University

  This presentation examines the intricate relationship between the Naga people and Baptist Christianity. The Naga is a diverse ethnic group in Northeast India and Northwest Myanmar. The study aims to understand the generational gap that exists within this community. Due to recent economic growth and the widespread dissemination of information through mobile phones from around the world, Naga’s traditional values are changing. Many young people communicate with each other through mobile phones and have less time to spend with people from other generations. However, there are still many young Nagas who attend church on Sundays, which provides an opportunity to interact with people from other generations.
  The presentation begins by providing a historical overview of the Naga people and their conversion to Baptist Christianity during the British colonial period. It then explores the current religious landscape, highlighting the central role of Baptist Christianity in shaping Naga society and culture. Next, the presentation examines the challenges and conflicts arising from this generational gap.
  The study also explores a recent movement of uploading gospel songs on YouTube to spread Christian values to a wider audience. The use of new technology to reach out to the younger generation is emerging among the Naga communities. This underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing these generational differences for the preservation and continuity of Naga culture.
  This presentation contributes to the broader discourse on religion, generational gaps, and social change, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of a unique ethnic-religious community in Northeast India.?

• The Roles of Social Capitals and Emergence of Local Governance Amidst Political Fragility: A Case Study of Chin State in Myanmar Chosein Yamahata Aichi Gakuin University Phwe Yu Mon Mae Fah Luang University

  This study examines the critical role of social capital in fostering local governance during periods of political instability, focusing on Chin State, Myanmar, post-February 1, 2021 coup attempt. Amidst the chaos resulting in weakened public administration, economic strife, and diminished access to public services and legal structures, this research explores the adaptive measures communities take to maintain societal order and deliver essential services. Utilizing social capital theory, the study investigates the formation of grassroots governance systems empowered by the mutual trust, established social networks, and reciprocal norms within the community. The research highlights how, in response to the political void, democratic advocates and the wider community, including the diaspora, have been instrumental in creating local governance entities that emphasize transparency, accountability, and civic involvement. This has led to the conduct of community-driven elections and the provision of education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, and food security, essential for maintaining the rule of law and daily life in the region. Interim judicial measures have also been taken, using customary laws to uphold judicial independence temporarily. Through qualitative methods such as interviews and document analysis, the study sheds light on the significant function of social capital in the rise and efficacy of these emergent governance bodies. Despite their efforts, these local administrations face ongoing hurdles, including resource and technical constraints, underscoring the complex challenges of building governance infrastructure during a crisis.

Abstract