From Pulpit to Platform: Christians? Attitudes and Perceptions On Faith-Based Social Media Use in South-East Nigeria

References

[1] for online services over physical gatherings (WMS = 4.02). Additionally, prayer and unit meetings were perceived to be more convenient online (WMS = 4.40). These results reflect post-COVID-19 transformations in worship patterns, where many believers adjusted to virtual worship and developed new digital habits (Chukwuma, 2021).

[2] Respondents also agreed that religious issues are more easily addressed online (WMS = 3.61), and that online church programmes attract higher attendance (WMS = 4.30). This supports the findings of Afo#labi and Babatunde (2021), who reported increased participation in online religious events, particularly among youth and working-class members, due to flexibility and accessibility. The findings align with the Uses and Gratification Theory (Bhatiasevi, 2024), as respondents actively used faith-based platforms for convenience, spiritual edification, communication, and social interaction, indicating goal-oriented media use. According to Afolaranm, (2020) covid-19 made the deployment of digital platforms as the media of worship. The digital technological which used social handles made it possible for religion leaders to connect with their congregations and worship God virtually. Thus as a result of the very high level of attendance of Christians in South-east Nigeria to church programmes online than physically, it becomes imperative to state that they have an unfavourable attitude towards traditional faith-based activities after usage of faith-based social media handles and a favourable attitude towards the use of faith-based social media handles.

[3] The findings of this research confirm a significant shift in Christian practices and attitudes toward the use of faith-based social media in South-east Nigeria. There is strong evidence of widespread acceptance and appreciation of digital religious engagement, particularly among younger Christians. Faith-based social media platforms have not only augmented spiritual discipline but have also redefined communal worship, communication, and religious identity. This transformation points to a broader trend in global Christianity where the digital sphere is becoming an integral part of religious life. Therefore, churches and religious leaders must recognize and harness this potential, ensuring theological integrity while adapting to the evolving digital landscape.

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@article{1708794,
      author = {MEGWAS, Ngozi Ukamaka, INNOCENT Paschal Ihechu, Ph. D., VIRGINIA, Benson Eluwa},
      title = {From Pulpit to Platform: Christians? Attitudes and Perceptions On Faith-Based Social Media Use in South-East Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {11},
      pages = {2054-2064},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1708794.pdf},
      abstract = {The digital revolution is reshaping religious experiences in Southeast Nigeria, particularly through faith-based social media platforms. These platforms have significantly influenced how Christians interact with their faith, engage in church activities, and maintain communication within their religious communities. This study investigated the attitudes and perceptions of Christians in the South-east region regarding the use of social media platforms for religious purposes. Using the survey research design, data was collected from 375 valid respondents through a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed a high level of usage and positive perception of faith-based social media handles. Respondents strongly endorsed online church services, digital donations, and virtual prayer meetings, with mean scores exceeding 4.00 on a 5-point scale. Additionally, faith-based social media handles were credited with enhancing prayer habits, Bible reading, evangelism, and communication with pastors, while also reducing religious-based segregation. The findings also revealed that the respondents do not have a positive attitude towards traditional faith-based activities after usage of faith-based social media handles and but show favourable attitude towards the use of faith-based social media handles. Overall, the study concludes that social media platforms have become vital to modern Christian practices in Southeast Nigeria, promoting greater participation, spiritual growth, and convenience in worship.},
      keywords = {Faith-based, Social media, Christian attitudes, digital evangelism, online church, religious communication.},
      month = {May},
  }