BUDDHIST ETHICS AND ADDRESSING ETHICAL PROBLEMS IN THE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AGE

Main Article Content

Boonchuay Sirikase

Abstract

This article explores the application of Buddhist ethics as a proactive conceptual framework for addressing complex ethical challenges in the digital technology era, where innovation often outpaces existing social norms and legal regulations. The analysis focuses on integrating core principles, namely the Noble Eightfold Path, the Four Sublime States (Brahmavihara 4), and the Threefold Training (Tisikkha), to provide practical guidelines for facing emerging crises such as the violation of data sovereignty, the spread of misinformation, algorithmic bias in artificial intelligence, and digital addiction affecting mental well-being.


The findings indicate that Buddhist ethics is not merely a set of moral prohibitions but a form of "cognitive technology" that fosters mindfulness and critical wisdom, maintaining a balance between material progress and spiritual stability. This article proposes a three-tier practical approach: at the macro level through "Ethics by Design" policies; at the organizational level through the development of ethical AI; and at the individual level through the cultivation of mindful digital citizenship. These efforts aim to create a digital society that is truly sustainable, just, and harmonious.

Article Details

Section
Academic Article

References

ธนาธร สุขสมหมาย. (2565). จริยธรรมสื่อดิจิทัลในยุคข้อมูลข่าวสาร. สำนักพิมพ์มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์.

พุทธพร บุญธรรม. (2566). การสร้างพลเมืองดิจิทัลเชิงพุทธ: กรณีศึกษาในเยาวชนไทย. วารสารพุทธศาสนาศึกษา, 28(1), 45-60.

วิโรจน์ ณ ระนอง. (2564). พุทธปรัชญากับวิกฤตจริยธรรมในโลกสมัยใหม่. กรุงเทพฯ: สำนักพิมพ์แสงธรรม.

สุวิทย์ กลิ่นหอม. (2563). เมตตาธรรมกับการรับมือการกลั่นแกล้งทางไซเบอร์. วารสารสังคมศาสตร์และมนุษยศาสตร์, 35(2), 112-125.

Dhammarak, P. (2022). Buddhist ethics in the age of artificial intelligence. Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 29, 1-18.

AI Ethics Commission. (2023). Guidelines for ethical AI development in a global context. New York, NY: United Nations Publications.

Chang, J., & Lee, S. (2024). The role of wisdom in navigating digital dilemmas. Journal of Digital Ethics, 15(1), 78-92.

Chen, L., & Li, M. (2022). Privacy concerns and data security in the digital era. International Journal of Information Ethics, 7(3), 201-215.

Ethical AI Institute. (2023). Responsible AI: Frameworks and best practices. London, UK: Ethical AI Press.

Kasamatsu, Y., & Tanaka, H. (2023). Mindfulness practices for digital well-being. Asian Journal of Psychology and Technology, 10(2), 145-160.

Lee, J., & Kim, Y. (2022). Digital detox and mental health: A mindfulness-based approach. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 25(6), 345-352.

Sachs, J. D., & Miller, P. L. (2020). The social impact of misinformation in the digital age. Journal of Social Computing, 8(4), 289-305.

Smith, A., & Jones, B. (2021). Ethical challenges in the digital transformation. Technology and Society Review, 12(1), 1-15.

Wang, X., & Gupta, R. (2024). Buddhist perspectives on digital technology and human flourishing. Philosophy of Technology, 42(3), 512-528.

Yoshida, K., & Suzuki, T. (2021). Compassionate AI: An ethical framework inspired by Buddhist principles. AI & Society, 36(2), 401-415.