In today’s world, social media is one of the most powerful forces shaping culture, ideas, and communities. Religion is long rooted in tradition and face-to-face practices and has been swept into this digital revolution. On one hand, social media has given religion new life, expanding its reach far beyond walls of churches. On the other, it has also exposed faith communities to new challenges, and even harmful consequences. This tension raises the question of whether the social media’s impact on religious culture is more positive than negative, and if the damage outweighs the benefits.
One of the positives of social media is accessibility. Religious organizations, leaders and communities can reach millions of people instantaneously. From our community, Cougars for Christ Administrator Cody Bernbeck “Social media can be a good tool to spread the gospel but it is also used negatively with hatred passed around and believing lies of social Media.”
Alongside Cody Bernbeck’s acknowledgment of its potential, the positives come with undeniable drawbacks. The same reach and speed that grants touching messages to spread can also allow rumors and misinformation. According to Evolvi in a 2019 study, the rapid spread of information, including misinformation and inflammatory content, can escalate interreligious tensions more quickly and widely than traditional media.
Another subtle yet damaging effect of social media is the creation of unrealistic religious expectations. Church member and Junior, Eva Oursler, points out that “Some negatives of social media on religion are the putting of expectations on the perfect idea of what religion is, mistakes are inevitable with imperfections.” Online platforms can make religion appear like a polished product, but this creates pressure on believers to perform faith rather than authentically live it.
In the end, the question is not simply whether social media is good or bad for religion, but whether people choose to use it wisely. Like any tool, its power rests in the hands of those who flourish it.
