Faith in the age of social media

Faith in the age of social media
By Amaya Gentry

Source: Dreamstime

Religion is more accessible than ever in the age of social media. Apps can remind believers to pray, and search engines can answer religious questions more quickly than traditional reference methods. After the 2020 pandemic, pastors also found many online ways to keep congregants connected to the church.

A 2023 Pew Research Center study found online services appeal to many Americans, with about a quarter of U.S. adults using them. The study also concluded that in-person attendance is more popular. However, religious leaders are concerned that the ease of information makes it harder for people to find reliable information. According to Andrew M. Henry in Religion and Education, “the advancement of religious literacy on social media platforms must involve scholars and teachers taking on the role of ‘strategic amplifiers,’ agents that amplify content that promotes religious literacy while being aware of the challenges these platforms present.”
Church attendance in the U.S.
A 2024 University of Chicago study by Professor Devin Pope, which used cellphone geolocation data rather than self-report surveys to measure church attendance, found 73% of Americans attend church at least once per year. However, only 5% of Americans attend services weekly, compared to 22% who report weekly attendance in surveys. The study also found that weather, service hours, and religious holidays can affect how often people go to services. While the exact reason attendance rates appear inflated in self-reported surveys remains unclear, the survey concluded that religion is very important to millions of Americans.
Accessing Religious Content Online
Smartphones have made religious content easier to access. However, despite the abundance of religious content online, researchers at the Pew Research Center show that many do not use digital tools for religious practice. The 2023 study found that 70% of Americans never go online to search for information on religion, and only 21% use apps or websites to remind them to read scripture.
A church responds to social media.
A 2025 Statista survey estimates that 310 million people in the United States use social media. The reach has prompted some churches to integrate social media into their marketing and outreach efforts, religious leaders say. The Rev. Brent Bramer, a California pastor, states, “The church needs to better understand how social media can shape opinions, perceptions, and politics.” In doing this, religious leaders can learn [about] social media and how they should use it to better reach their congregants.
Takeaways
Although digital tools have made it easier to reach religious institutions, many American churches face declining attendance. Churches across the country have tried to keep up with technology by maintaining active social media profiles and broader digital presences. Some religious leaders worry social media can weaken congregants’ religious literacy. Still, many religious leaders are using social media to reach congregants who do not regularly attend services.
About the Author
Amaya Gentry holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and has previously worked as a quality control chemist.