The Journal of Religion and Communication Studies
Vol. 3 No. 1: (February) 2026

Social media as a new space for communication and Muslim identity formation

Ikasatya, Ririn Anugerah (Unknown)
Apriliani, Cahya (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: This study discusses the role of social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, as a space for the formation of Islamic identity among Indonesian Muslim youth amid a highly visual and competitive digital culture. The transformation of religious communication in the digital space marks the emergence of the phenomenon of digital religiosity, where piety is displayed through symbols, visual narratives, and online participation. Methods: A quantitative descriptive approach supported by qualitative analysis was used on 50 Muslim youth respondents who are active social media users. Data were collected through an online survey using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis of open-ended responses. Findings: The results show that social media plays a significant role in shaping Muslim identity, especially among women aged 20–22 years. Islamic content on social media was found to increase understanding of Islamic values, motivation to worship, and reflective expressions of religiosity. However, the study also found ethical challenges such as digital riya' and algorithmic religiosity, where religious practices can shift to become performative due to the logic of popularity and platform algorithms. Conclusion: Social media functions as a laboratory for religious identity for Muslim youth, mediating between spiritual expression and popular culture while demanding strong religious digital literacy. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study offers a new perspective through the integration of social identity and digital communication theories in the study of Islamic communication, as well as introducing the concept of digital Islamic identity as a form of reflective piety in the online space.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JORCS

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Social Sciences

Description

The aim of JORCS is to provide a scholarly platform for the exploration and analysis of the intricate relationship between religion and communication within Muslim communities. Through rigorous research and critical inquiry, the journal seeks to deepen understanding of how communication processes ...