Unraveling Beliefs and Politics in the Digital Age: Analyzing Social Media’s Influence on Religious and Political Ideologies Among University Students in Pakistan

Abstract

In the contemporary digital era, the intersection of religion, politics, and social media engagement has become a critical area of study, particularly among university students. This study explores how these intersecting ideologies shape and are shaped by the digital behaviors of young adults in Pakistan. The primary aim was to examine the relationship between religious and political ideologies and social media participation among university students in Pakistan, and to understand how higher education influences these ideologies. A quantitative approach was employed to investigate the intersection between political affiliation and religious identities among students. The sample comprised 400 respondents from four major universities in Pakistan, determined using Yamane’s formula. Proportional sampling was used to collect data from each university, and random sampling ensured equal participation opportunities. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with inferential statistics, including independent t-tests, to compare religious and political ideologies across the four institutions. Findings revealed that religion is notably significant in the daily lives of respondents from the University of Peshawar compared to other universities. Conversely, political ideologies were significantly stronger among students at the University of Balochistan. The study highlights university students' active engagement in both religious and political activities online and offline. The research underscores the diversity of young people's political and religious beliefs and the impact of university environments on shaping these ideologies and engagement strategies.