Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Found 21 Documents
Search

The Influence of Social Media on Religious Perception and Behavior Rahman, Abdul; Harahap, Suheri
Reflection Journal Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Desember
Publisher : Lembaga Penelitian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.36312/rj.v5i2.3884

Abstract

This study discusses the influence of social media on individuals’ religious perceptions and behaviors in the digital era. Social media has become a primary medium for disseminating religious information, both educational and provocative. With its rapid and wide accessibility, social media users are exposed to diverse religious narratives that shape how they understand, evaluate, and practice their faith. This study employs a qualitative approach using interviews and observations involving active social media users from various religious backgrounds. The findings reveal that social media can enhance religious literacy and broaden spiritual insight, but it also has the potential to cause polarization and narrow interpretations of religion when the information consumed is biased or extreme. Furthermore, religious behavior has shifted, as online religious expression increases while direct participation in real-world religious activities tends to decline. In conclusion, social media exerts both positive and negative influences on religiosity, depending on users’ consumption patterns, digital literacy levels, and critical capacity. Therefore, better digital education is needed so that social media can serve as a positive platform for fostering inclusive and moderate religious understanding and behavior.