Digital Religious Outreach: Mapping Trends and Challenges of Interfaith Dialogue on Social Media Platforms

Abstract

The migration of religious discourse to digital spaces has transformed the nature of interfaith engagement. This research provides a systematic mapping of trends and challenges in digital religious outreach across major social media platforms (X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube) between 2021 and 2026. Through a systematic review of contemporary literature, the study identifies three dominant trends: the rise of "Micro-Influencer Clerics," the gamification of theological debate, and the emergence of "Algorithm-Driven Ecumenism." However, these opportunities for outreach are countered by significant challenges, including the "Polarization Trap," digital sectarianism, and the loss of theological nuance in short-form content. The findings suggest that while social media democratizes interfaith dialogue, it often prioritizes performative debate over genuine understanding. The research concludes by proposing a "Digital Ethics of Engagement" framework to foster constructive inter-religious harmony in the age of Artificial Intelligence.