The Impact of Digitalization on Religious Practices and Community Dynamics Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/17.2/984Keywords:
religion, digital, online, religious practices, religious experiencesAbstract
The present study aimed to examine the impact of digitalization on religious practices and community dynamics through a systematic review of the literature published after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2024). This general aim was two-fold: first, we aimed to examine the digital shift in religious practices. Second, we aimed to understand the role of technology in religious communities. One hundred fifteen publications were identified in four databases, and 40 were included in the final analysis. Results indicated that digital religion integrates technology into faith, transforming education through online platforms, gamification, and multimedia. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalization of religion, redefining religious communities and practices. While these innovations enhance engagement and accessibility, the current challenges include discrimination, privacy concerns, and religious authenticity. The evolving digital religious landscape requires responsible oversight, interdisciplinary collaboration, and further research to understand its long-term implications on faith, authority, and spiritual engagement in an increasingly technology-driven world.
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