A new study highlights a striking shift in how Thai children seek information: many now lean on Google as a primary source more than guidance from their grandparents. The finding underscores the growing influence of digital technology on Thailand’s younger generation and raises questions about knowledge transmission, education, and cultural continuity.
Across Thai households, a cultural shift is unfolding. Elders—especially grandparents who share stories, herbal wisdom, and local history—have long been trusted custodians of knowledge in rural and urban families alike. With widespread smartphone use, fast internet, and digital literacy campaigns, children increasingly turn to search engines for answers. This reflects broader global patterns noted by researchers and international organizations about technology shaping childhood learning.
The study summarized in a recent Psychology Today feature shows that children’s trust is moving toward digital sources rather than personal, familial advice. The trend spans ages and backgrounds, suggesting it is not confined to a single region. When faced with conflicting information—such as a grandparent’s memory that clashes with the top Google result—many children tend to accept the online answer as more accurate.
Why this matters for Thai readers? Thailand has a rich tradition of storytelling and intergenerational learning, with elders sharing Buddhist teachings, herbal knowledge, and local narratives at family gatherings, temple fairs, and community events. A growing reliance on digital sources could affect how these traditions are transmitted. Educators and cultural commentators in Thailand point to a potential decline in oral heritage, particularly in urban centers like Bangkok and Chiang Mai where tech access is widespread. Data from national media and educational analyses emphasize the need to preserve intergenerational dialogue alongside digital learning.
Experts in child psychology and media literacy see both benefits and risks. A senior professional from a national children’s advocacy organization notes that digital tools expand access to information but may erode crucial social skills, including respect for elders and appreciation for local wisdom. Thai education researchers advocate blended learning that pairs digital resources with traditional values and family-centered teaching.
This pattern mirrors global trends. Studies from Japan, Korea, and Western nations show that digital natives increasingly view technology as a primary information authority, sometimes surpassing teachers and parents. In Thailand, the unique importance of family ties and Buddhist respect for elders could make this shift especially impactful for social cohesion.
Looking ahead, AI-powered search and voice assistants may deepen the move toward digital answers. Yet educators see an opportunity to boost digital literacy by teaching students to evaluate sources, recognize bias, and combine online research with family narratives. Some Thai schools are incorporating digital citizenship into curricula, guiding students to distinguish facts from misinformation and to value traditional wisdom alongside modern information sources.
For families and schools, practical steps are vital. Open conversations about how information is found, and how to cross-check online results with real-life context, can help students gain digital savvy while honoring heritage. Encouraging elders to share life stories and organizing intergenerational activities can strengthen both critical thinking and family bonds. As a Bangkok education professional put it, “We can use Google for quick answers, but grandparents offer insights that endure.”
Thailand’s ongoing balance between tradition and technology will rely on cultivating discernment in digital spaces while preserving cultural heritage. The goal is a generation that is globally informed yet deeply rooted in Thai identity.