Religious-Political Discussion on Instagram and WhatsApp and Perception of Religion among Youths in Delhi

Abstract

This research paper examines the impact of social media on the perception of religion among young people in Delhi. The study explores the role of religious feelings and religious-political discourse that occur on social media platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp, an instant messaging platform. The research uses a qualitative method in which interviews with young people in Delhi played a pivotal role in highlighting major aspects of the study. The findings indicate that social media has a significant impact on young people’s perceptions of religion in Delhi. While social media has provided young people with an opportunity to express their religious beliefs and engage in interfaith dialogue, it has also exposed them to extreme religious views and made it easier for political parties to influence their perception of religion and sometimes dehumanise other coreligionists on the basis of their system of belief and cultural context.