2408-9338Research result. Sociology and Management2408-933810.18413/2408-9338-2025-11-2-0-6.3783SOCIAL STRUCTURE, SOCIAL INSTITUTES AND PROCESSES<strong>F</strong><strong>eatures of the construction of religious identity</strong><br /> <strong>in the digital age</strong><strong>F</strong><strong>eatures of the construction of religious identity</strong><br /> <strong>in the digital age</strong>ZimovaNatalya SergeevnaZimovaNatalya Sergeevnanzimova@mail.ruMatsnevaElizaveta АндреевнаMatsnevaElizavetaLomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Russia, Moscow, 1, Leninskie Gory202511200

The article examines the specifics of religious identity formation among young people in the digital age. The authors highlight the shifting nature of religious consciousness among youth, as well as the growing prevalence of&nbsp;diffuse religious identity &ndash; an eclectic, fluid, and highly individualized form of spiritual self-identification. Digitalization is analyzed as a key factor influencing the emergence of this type of religious identity. A sociological study conducted by the authors, based on a survey of young Muscovites aged 18 to 28 (N=300), confirmed the hypothesis that deep immersion in the digital environment contributes to the formation of a diffuse religious identity. Specifically, among respondents with high digital engagement, the number of those exhibiting a diffuse religious identity was 50.2% higher than among those with lower digital involvement. For a more detailed analysis of the ongoing transformations in religious identity construction, expert interviews were conducted with scholars in the sociology of religion and representatives of various religious denominations. These interviews revealed two prevailing perspectives on the phenomenon: on one hand, concerns were raised about the potential loss of depth in religious experience, while on the other, new opportunities for spiritual exploration in the digital era were emphasized.

The article examines the specifics of religious identity formation among young people in the digital age. The authors highlight the shifting nature of religious consciousness among youth, as well as the growing prevalence of&nbsp;diffuse religious identity &ndash; an eclectic, fluid, and highly individualized form of spiritual self-identification. Digitalization is analyzed as a key factor influencing the emergence of this type of religious identity. A sociological study conducted by the authors, based on a survey of young Muscovites aged 18 to 28 (N=300), confirmed the hypothesis that deep immersion in the digital environment contributes to the formation of a diffuse religious identity. Specifically, among respondents with high digital engagement, the number of those exhibiting a diffuse religious identity was 50.2% higher than among those with lower digital involvement. For a more detailed analysis of the ongoing transformations in religious identity construction, expert interviews were conducted with scholars in the sociology of religion and representatives of various religious denominations. These interviews revealed two prevailing perspectives on the phenomenon: on one hand, concerns were raised about the potential loss of depth in religious experience, while on the other, new opportunities for spiritual exploration in the digital era were emphasized.

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