Social Media and the Reshaping of Religious Identity in Youth

https://doi.org/10.55549/ijasse.9

Abstract

In recent years, much research has shed light on social structure and interpretation concerns that have highlighted problems with religious tolerance and intolerance. Social constructions have changed as a result of Internet-based connections and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter Instagram, etc. which have reopened old discussions about paradigms of peace from a fresh viewpoint. To understand the correlations between social media usage and attitudes impacting religious tolerance and intolerance, this study evaluated previously published data regarding attitudes and stereotype modifications via research on the Muslim-Hindu interaction in Nepal. An online and offline survey is used to assess the research hypothesis about online platform usage frequency, relationship-bridging attitudes and actions, religion, life happiness, and social trust among youngsters. The findings revealed a statistically significant positive association between Facebook and YouTube usage frequency and views toward religious intolerance especially after being influenced by Indian Islamaphobic media as it is the neighboring country of Nepal, with an enhanced relationship bridging both online and off. Additionally, the paper aims to show the correlations between heavy social media users and individuals who cited social media as the cause of their eventual offline intolerance. The findings of this study are beneficial to individuals trying to comprehend and take part in peacemaking in a society that is continuously changing, always linked, and mediated by the Internet.