Digital Technology Tools and Worship Engagement of Youths in The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Youth Province- 12, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Digital technology tools such as social media platforms are fundamentally
reshaping human experiences; especially, with regards to religious worship
experience and spiritual formation activities. While digital technology tools
have the potential to guarantee rich worship engagements, there is a
pressing need to examine whether the incorporation of social media
platforms enhances or detracts worship experiences of youths; more so
that there is perceived lack of understanding regarding effective use of
specific social media platforms in worship. Hence, this study investigated
digital technology tools and worship engagement of youths in The
Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Youth Province-12, Osun
State, Nigeria. The study is anchored on theory of Technology Acceptance
Model (TAM). The study adopted descriptive survey research design and
adopted stratified and simple random sampling techniques to select a
sample of hundred and three (103) youths and sixteen (16) church leaders
within the study area. Data were collected using a duly validated self-
designed questionnaire and a rating scale. Summary of findings revealed a
very high social media presence of churches within RCCG Youth Province
12 on WhatsApp (100%), Facebook (87.5%) and Youtube (62.5%); while
extent of social media engagement recorded very high prevalence on
WhatsApp is (93.8%); live streaming of church worship services on
Instagram live scores 6.25% and YouTube live had 18.75%. Also,
YouVersion (59.2%) emerges as the most frequently used religious mobile
app. The study recommends the implementation of digital literacy programme that promote diversified effective use of social media platforms for worship engagements with concerns real spiritual worship experiences
among RCCG Churches