The Impact of Digitalization on the Formation of Religious Identity in Modern Society

Abstract

Digital technologies have transformed human life, requiring people to acquire new skills and competencies. These technologies have also impacted religious life by transforming the processes of forming religious identity into a digital format. However, there are still no clear answers about the impact of digitization on the formation of religious identity or its potential negative consequences. The goal of this study is to actualize all positive and negative effects of digitization on the formation of modern society's religious identity. The concepts of identity, religious identity, and digitization are explained. Processes of forming religious identity in the pre-digital era are described, along with changes brought about by digitization. The research identified both positive and negative aspects, the former consisting in quick access to all religious materials, digital communication with clergy and religious communities, and the latter including  increased conflict between supporters and opponents of digitization, simplification of religious norms, reduced personal connection and interaction among believers, data privacy issues when participating online in rituals, spread of destructive and extremist materials aimed at mass recruitment and destruction of traditional confessions. Attention was focused on mechanisms to counteract these negative sides of digitization. The authors conclude that all negative aspects of digitization may be minimized through digital education, clergy’s clear stance regarding digital technologies, and countering religious destructiveness in the digital space.