Assessing the Impact of Social Media platforms on Dissemination of Christian Religious Messages in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of social media platforms on dissemination of Christian religious messages in Kaduna State, Nigeria, using a descriptive survey research design. A total of 423 respondents were randomly selected from a population of 1,897,432 Christians, and data were gathered through a structured questionnaire, with responses analyzed using mean scores. The self-structured questionnaire was validated by experts in the field and tested for reliability using a pilot study, yielding a high reliability coefficient of 0.75, indicating that the instrument was both valid and dependable for data collection. The findings revealed that social media Platforms plays a major role in spreading Christian religious messages by facilitating immediate communication, increasing youth involvement, and encouraging interfaith dialogue. However, it also brings challenges such as the spread of false information, misinterpretation of doctrines, commercialization of religion, and the potential for increased interreligious conflict. The study concludes that social media has become a key tool in religious communication in Kaduna State, offering both opportunities and risks. It recommends that the government work with media regulatory agencies to create and enforce guidelines that control the distribution of harmful or misleading religious content online, while also investing in digital literacy initiatives to promote responsible social media use. In addition, it advises religious leaders to create official, well-managed digital platforms for sharing accurate and theologically sound content and to use these platforms to engage with young people and promote peaceful coexistence among diverse religious groups.