The Effects of Social Media Use on Attitude Changes of Religious Tolerance and Intolerance: Online Social Paradigms May Bring New Possibilities for Transformations in Organizations and Society

Abstract

The advent of Internet-based relationships and mediated communications through social media such as Facebook has modified social constructs and re-opened age-old questions concerning paradigms of cooperation and peace from a new perspective. This study elucidated relationships with social media use and attitude changes affecting religious tolerance and intolerance at the Muslim-Christian divide in Egypt. Four hypotheses were tested using an online survey, which evaluated the intensity of Facebook use, relational bridging attitudes and behaviors, religiosity, satisfaction with life, and social trust. The results found a significant positive correlation between the intensity of Facebook use and changes in attitudes of religious tolerance, with increased relational bridging both online and offline. Significant positive associations were also found among heavy Facebook users and those that attributed Facebook as a reason for future offline tolerance. Much research points to social media continuing to inculcate organizations and societies through emergent technologies, though in undefined ways. The results of this study are provocative and encouraging; helpful to those seeking to understand the impact of technology on organizational and societal transformation and resilience in a rapidly changing, constantly connected, and Internetmediated world.