Media Exposure Patterns of the 2023 Israeli-Hamas Conflict: Insights from Thailand

This study investigates the patterns of news exposure related to the 2023 Israeli-Hamas war.Employing a quantitative research methodology and survey approach, the research examines a sample of 400 non-Muslim individuals residing in Southern Thailand, including both males and females. Data were collected through questionnaires. The study underscores thesignificant role of demographic characteristics in shaping news exposure patterns and emphasises the importance of credible and diverse information sources in public engagementwith news about the Israeli-Hamas conflict. The findings indicate that the sample populationengaged with news about the Israeli-Hamas war in 2023 with a general frequency, particularly in specific areas of interest. This engagement was maintained at a moderate level, reflecting the public’s awareness of the conflict since its inception. Individuals with higher education levels among the respondents demonstrated significant interest in the war. The study also underscores the influence of demographic factors such as gender, age, education level, occupation and religion on news consumption behaviours. The results reveal that different demographic groups exhibit varying patterns of news exposure. Notably, the sample population places high importance on credible news sources, as evidenced by an average rating of 4.22. Additionally, information disseminated by experts and academics garnered a high level of trust, with an average rating of 4.15. Conversely, there was substantial skepticism towards personal opinion blogs, reflected by an average rating of 4.01. Respondents preferred to obtain news from multiple sources rather than relying on a single source, with anaverage rating of 4.05.