Religious Discourses in the Digital Sphere: Shaping Youth Identity in Morocco through Social Media
Social media plays a central role in the dissemination of religious discourse, profoundly influencing the religious identity of Moroccan youth. This study explores the impact of these discourses, whether conveyed by figures with formal theological training or by self-taught individuals who, despite lacking formal education, manage to exert significant influence on these digital platforms. The aim of this research is to examine how these discourses shape the identity construction of young people. Social media provides a space for interaction and dialogue where these discourses are not only disseminated but also debated, shared, and reinterpreted by their audiences. This phenomenon helps us better understand how Moroccan youth appropriate these messages and how they contribute to redefining the forms of religious authority.
The analysis highlights the role of digital platforms as vectors of transformation for religious identities, emphasizing the emergence of new dynamics where religious influence extends beyond traditional frameworks. These discourses, by reaching a broad audience and sparking engagement, actively participate in the (re)construction of religious identities in a constantly evolving context, where practices and beliefs are continually readjusted in response to new modes of communication.
Thus, this study seeks to demonstrate that social media is not merely a venue for the dissemination of religious discourse, but rather a space where genuine interaction between these discourses and youth takes place, thereby promoting a redefinition of religious identity within a rapidly evolving Moroccan society.