More believers are beginning to use social media in their religious practice, according to experts at the Network for New Media, Religion and Digital Culture Studies. In some cases, social media has become an extension of existing religious practice as churchgoers connect with their pastors and fellow worshipers outside of the pews and away from the organs. But for others, social media has become a substitute as online users have found new ways to get in tune with religion.
Social media is changing the face of religion, said Heidi Campbell, associate professor of communications at Texas A&M University. “Social media becomes an important way to connect and make your religious experience a 24/7 experience rather than something you do on the weekends.”