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Misunderstood Differences: Media, Perception, and Out-Group Animosity in Thailand

Author

Listed:
  • Chonnakan Rittinon
  • Boontida Sa-ngimnet
  • Suparit Suwanik
  • Tanisa Tawichsri
  • Thiti Tosborvorn

Abstract

In high-conflict, politically divided, and democratically fragile environments like Thailand, affective polarization and social distrust can undermine the foundations of a health democracy and hinder economic development. We conducted an original survey in 2021 (N = 2,016) during intense political turmoil, uncovering deep out-group animosity between political camps. The cleavages are particularly prominent, revealing distrust and clashes in social values between generations. Our findings indicate that perceived, rather than actual, ideological differences significantly drive out-group animosity. Individuals with extreme political identities who get news from one-sided media outlets that align with their political beliefs—i.e., echo chambers—tend to exaggerate polarization and exhibit greater negative affect and distrust toward the opposite group. Our results show that out-group animosity and the impact of perceived differences are particularly strong in the political domain and could significantly affect the policymaking process.

Suggested Citation

  • Chonnakan Rittinon & Boontida Sa-ngimnet & Suparit Suwanik & Tanisa Tawichsri & Thiti Tosborvorn, 2022. "Misunderstood Differences: Media, Perception, and Out-Group Animosity in Thailand," PIER Discussion Papers 194, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research, revised Sep 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:pui:dpaper:194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Perceived polarization; Out-group animosity; Media bias; Echo chamber;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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