Well Informed Religion 3.0

Religion 3.0

Religion and social media are an interesting combination. The emergence of social has had a tremendous effect on many controversial topics. Although politics have recently stolen the limelight, religion is a constant ideology and will never go away. Religion is a personal and essential component of many lives around the world. On some level, everyone has a belief to explain the how, why, or what. The how, why, and what are the big question(s). How was man created? Why was man created? What happens when you die? Is there a higher being and if so, how? What is the purpose? There are an infinite amount of big questions and consequently, an infinite amount of answers.

With these enormous concepts, it is difficult for people to comprehend. It is interesting to witness individuals who are trying to understand something that has happened, they extend it to some existential reason. For example, if a tragedy occurs, most people will use or hear the phrase "there is a plan" or a statement similar to it. If you lose a close family member or friend, it takes an emotional toll on you. In order to alleviate some of the pain, religion is used to lean on.

Social media provides a pathway to connect with those who share similar interests and beliefs. There are many online websites and groups being created for multiple religions. I find it interesting how religion isn't talked about as much anymore. Religion has played an enormous role in previous generations and has shaped the decisions of men and women around the world. Currently in today's world, religion is almost prohibited to talk about. It could be due to the decline of fervent believers or other subjects have stolen the limelight. Political agendas steal the attention and distract people from religion.

I feel religion isn't seen on social media as much as the other big topics because of its nature. Religion discounts facts and relies on faith. People can't argue with faith and typically the disagreements stop there. Social media feeds on the drama of contrasting opinions. That is why religion does not get the same amount of publicity. People can argue about whether a democrat or republican is better, but they can't argue (as well) about what happens when you die on social media.

According to the Pew Research Center, around seven out of ten Americans use social media to connect with someone else, see the news, or share information. Looking at the different platforms, social media is a large part of today's society. What I find interesting is the fact the Bible app has been downloaded approximately 162 million whereas Facebook as been downloaded over a BILLION times. I believe religion is more within the home than it is publicized, especially when it comes to social media.