Studia Islamika
Vol. 33 No. 1 (2026): Studia Islamika

Social Media and Religious Intolerance in Indonesia

Shidiq, Akhmad Rizal (Unknown)
Muhtadi, Burhanuddin (Unknown)
Yusuf, Arief Anshory (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Indonesia has simultaneously experienced rapid growth in social media use and persistent concerns about rising religious intolerance, prompting widespread assumptions that digital platforms are fueling intolerance. Yet, the literature offers mixed predictions: social media may heighten hostility through echo-chamber dynamics, reduce prejudice through weak-tie intergroup contact, or generate little attitudinal change on religious tolerance. Drawing on these competing theoretical frameworks, we analyze a nationally representative survey of Indonesian Muslims (N = 3,820) to assess whether social media use for religious and political information is associated with higher levels of religious intolerance. From our econometric regression results, we do not find statistically significant evidence that Indonesian Muslims’ exposure to social media is correlated with higher level of religious intolerance. Our results suggest that in Indonesia—as in several other countries—social media may amplify the visibility of intolerant discourse without substantially shifting underlying attitudes.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

studia-islamika

Publisher

Subject

Religion

Description

STUDIA ISLAMIKA (ISSN 0215-0492) is an international journal published by the Center for the Study of Islam and Society (PPIM), Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University of Jakarta, Indonesia (STT DEPPEN No. 129/SK/DITJEN/PPG/STT/1976). Focus The journal aims to provide readers with a deeper ...