Digital Religion and Communal Identity: Exploring Youth Online Faith Practices in Agbor

Abstract

The study examines the digitalisation of religion and its community impact on online faith practices among youths in Agbor. The problem addressed is the increasing reliance on digital platforms for worship and spiritual interaction, which raises concerns about the transformation of traditional religious participation, communal bonding, and doctrinal depth. The scope of the study covers youths within Agbor who actively engage in online religious activities through social media, streaming services, and virtual worship spaces. The paper employed surveys, interviews, and observation of online platforms to capture patterns of participation, motivations, and challenges. Findings reveal that digitalisation has enhanced accessibility to religious teachings, broadened participation, and fostered peer-to-peer spiritual support, yet it has also weakened physical fellowship, created risks of shallow commitment, and exposed youths to diverse and sometimes conflicting doctrines. The study concludes that digitalisation has produced a hybrid religious culture where online and offline practices coexist, reshaping communal spirituality and identity among youths in Agbor. Recommendations include encouraging faith leaders to integrate digital tools responsibly, preserving traditional worship to balance online practices, promoting digital literacy among youths to navigate online faith spaces critically, and compiling digital resources to sustain community cohesion and theological clarity for future generations.