Role of Social Media in Shaping Muslim Women’s Religious Identities: The Case of a Muslim Nation

The rise of social media has fundamentally reshaped information access, connection, and identity formation, even influencing religious practices. As seeking religious information online grows, understanding social media’s impact becomes critical. This study explores how use of social media shapes the religious identity of Maldivian women in terms of religious beliefs and practices. A quantitative survey was conducted gathering data from 200 women which was subsequently analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube dominated as platforms, primarily used for leisure. While participants reported strong religious beliefs and practices, adherence to specific practices (e.g., daily prayers) was lower. Interestingly, higher social media use correlated with a decline in religious practices. This effect was further moderated by age and education, the effect being stronger for younger women and those with lower educational attainment. These findings suggest social media’s complex role in shaping religious identity. While core beliefs might remain stable, practices seem more susceptible to influence, particularly for younger and less educated women. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms in these relationships.