The Influence of Social Media on Religious Perceptions and Behaviors

Rahman, Abdul and Harahap, Suheri (2025) The Influence of Social Media on Religious Perceptions and Behaviors. Reflection Journal, 5 (2). pp. 898-905. ISSN 2808-1501

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Abstract

This study examines the influence of social media on religious perceptions and behaviors among university students in Medan City within the context of digital religiosity. Employing a qualitative research design with an interpretative phenomenological approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with ten active university students who regularly access religious content on social media platforms. The findings indicate that social media has become a primary source of religious information and spiritual engagement for students, shaping their understanding of religious values, tolerance, and ethical conduct. Exposure to digital religious content contributes to positive behavioral changes, including increased motivation for worship, enhanced moral self-regulation, and greater spiritual awareness.However, the study also reveals the ambivalent nature of digital religiosity. Alongside its constructive potential, social media presents significantchallenges, such as interpretive confusion, misinformation, and exposure to intolerant or polarized religious narratives. These challenges are exacerbated by the lack of clear religious authority in digital spaces and the algorithmic tendencies of social media platforms that reinforce echo chambers.The study underscores the importance of strengthening Religious Digital Literacy to enable students to critically engage with online religious content and to foster inclusive, moderate, and reflective forms of religiosity in the digital era.

Jenis Item:	Artikel
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Digital Religiosity, Social Media, Religious Perception, Religious Behavior, Religious Digital Literacy
Subjects:	300 Social sciences > 302 Social intercd /ction 300 Social sciences > 306 Culture and institutions
Divisions:	Artikel (Jurnal, Koran, Majalah)
Pengguna yang mendeposit:	Ms Habiba Nur Maulida
Date Deposited:	05 Jan 2026 02:13
Last Modified:	05 Jan 2026 02:13
URI:	http://repository.uinsu.ac.id/id/eprint/26251

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