Digital spirituality grows, but young people still rely on family and faith leaders

A new report from the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA highlights the growing trend of digital spirituality among young people, as social media, music, and religious apps become popular avenues for finding comfort and connection. However, the study also reveals that many young people continue to prioritize in-person spaces, like churches and family connections, for their faith practices and seek guidance from family and religious leaders.

The Future of Faith study surveyed over 2,000 teens and young adults aged 16-24, revealing that nearly 98% of religious participants and 80% of nonreligious participants found spiritual or religious inspiration in online content. Furthermore, around 70% of religious respondents reported connecting with friends or peers through online spiritual or religious content.

Despite this digital engagement, more than 60% of religious young people still maintain traditional practices and rely on family and faith leaders as their primary sources of spiritual guidance. The study's findings emphasize the importance of accurate and authentic media representations of religion and spirituality, as well as the need for safer online communities that cater to young people's desire for a sense of belonging and safe expression of their beliefs.