Transformative Role of Faith-Related Twitter Expressions in Nurturing Personal Religiosity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Laurie Lee Bathan, De La Salle University ManilaFollow
Christine Diane Ramos, De La Salle University ManilaFollow

Paper Type

FP

Paper Number

142

Abstract

The ubiquity of social media enormously affected people’s engagement with faith and spirituality during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study is to explore the role that faith-related Twitter expressions play in nurturing and propagating personal religiosity. To explore this, research qualitative methods were conducted in two phases: first, faith-related tweets were mined and categorized; second, faith-related experiences were elicited through interviews to contextualize the Twitter expressions. Results conclude that the religious tweets are mainly forms of prayers, spiritual reflections, and church activities. Furthermore, personal religiosity was affected by these tweets in three dimensions- religious beliefs, religious activities, and religious relationships. Though age has no bearing in fostering religious beliefs, findings suggest effects especially on religious activities and relationships. In times of uncertainty with the current pandemic, religion is a significant factor in coping and seeking enlightenment.

Recommended Citation

Bathan, Laurie Lee and Ramos, Christine Diane, "Transformative Role of Faith-Related Twitter Expressions in Nurturing Personal Religiosity during the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2021). PACIS 2021 Proceedings. 195.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/pacis2021/195