A Comparative Study of Generation X Y Z and Their Utilization of Digital Media for Communication
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Abstract
This study aimed to: (1) examine the utilization of digital media for communication among Generation X, Y, and Z, and (2) compare differences across these generations. The study focused on people from Generation X, Y, and Z residing in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from 400 respondents and qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 30 participants.
The findings reveal that although overall digital media use for communication is at a high level across all generations, each generation demonstrates distinct and concrete usage patterns: Generation X primarily uses digital media for health-related communication, such as accessing reliable health information and self-care guidance, followed by communication with family and relatives. Generation Y mainly uses digital media for entertainment, while also integrating it into work-related communication and social networking activities. Generation Z predominantly uses digital media for education and work-related communication, including real-time interaction, collaborative learning, and expanding social networks. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found among the three generations in areas such as business/educational communication, online shopping, social networking, entertainment, health communication, and information seeking. However, no significant differences were found in communication with family and relatives.
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