Exploring Social Media Effects on Nigerian Youth’s Perceptions of Apostasy as Tools for Peacebuilding

Abstract

The rapid expansion of social media in Nigeria has transformed the ways in which young people

engage with religious ideas, identities, and debates, particularly on sensitive issues such as

apostasy in a religiously plural society. As digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse,

perceptions of religious conversion or renunciation are often constructed and circulated through

online interactions that may reinforce existing beliefs or intensify interreligious tensions. This

study therefore investigates how social media influences Nigerian youths’ perceptions of

apostasy and the implications of these perceptions for peacebuilding. Drawing on Social Media

Theory and Conflict Theory, the study explains how algorithm-driven content circulation, user

interaction, and online echo chambers can amplify identity-based narratives, while group

dynamics and competition for ideological influence may frame apostasy as a form of communal

betrayal. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through an online survey

administered to 200 respondents aged 18–45 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The

findings indicate that social media significantly shapes youth perceptions of apostasy, often

reinforcing polarized viewpoints through algorithmic filtering and the spread of misinformation,

which may deepen suspicion between religious communities. At the same time, the study

identifies opportunities for digital platforms to promote dialogue, interfaith understanding, and

peace-oriented communication. The study concludes that while social media can intensify

ideological divisions, it also holds considerable potential as a tool for digital peacebuilding when

supported by critical digital literacy and intentional efforts to promote responsible and

constructive online engagement