News Exposure and Uses of Social Media of Rajabhat University Students in Bangkok

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the demographic characteristics of Rajabhat University students in Bangkok who are exposed to news and the use of social media. The sample consisted of 400 students from five Rajabhat Universities in Bangkok who were in their first to fourth years of bachelor's degree programs during the first semester of the academic year 2021. This study employed a quantitative survey research methodology, collecting data through questionnaires. The results of the research showed that there were more female students than male students, aged between 18 and 19 years old. These students were studying at Dhonburi Rajabhat University, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, and Chandrakasem Rajabhat University. The majority of the samples were freshmen in the Faculty of Business Administration, with a GPAX between 2.51 and 3.00, an income of 5,000-7,000 baht, and residing in Bangkok and its vicinity. Regarding social media exposure behavior, it was found that, for most of them: 1. Frequency: They were exposed to social media on a daily basis. 2. Duration: They were exposed to social media for more than one hour. 3. Time: They were exposed to social media between 12:01 and 14:00 hours. 4. Types of Programs: The most popular content was game shows. 5.Reason: The majority admitted they used social media to gather information for further discussion. 6. Social Networking Platform: The majority used Facebook. 7.Devices: They used mobile phones. 8. Social Media Type: Webboards on various websites were mostly used. Regarding the use of social media by Rajabhat University students in Bangkok, the overall opinions about the use of social media were at a high level            ( = 3.61). The most popular use was to receive news and information related to their interests      ( = 3.83), followed by using social media to relieve stress from online studying ( = 3.80), receiving news and information about various social events ( = 3.76), while the least popular use was increasing general knowledge ( = 3.40).