Exploring Social Media Effects on Nigerian Youth’s Perceptions of Apostasy as Tools for Peacebuilding

The rapid expansion of social media in Nigeria has transformed the ways in which young people engage with religious ideas, identities, and debates, particularly on sensitive issues such as apostasy in a religiously plural society. As digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse, perceptions of religious conversion or renunciation are often constructed and circulated through online interactions that may reinforce existing beliefs or intensify interreligious tensions. This study therefore investigates how social media influences Nigerian youths’ perceptions of apostasy and the implications of these perceptions for peacebuilding. Drawing on Social Media Theory and Conflict Theory, the study explains how algorithm-driven content circulation, user interaction, and online echo chambers can amplify identity-based narratives, while group dynamics and competition for ideological influence may frame apostasy as a form of communal betrayal. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through an online survey administered to 200 respondents aged 18–45 across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The findings indicate that social media significantly shapes youth perceptions of apostasy, often reinforcing polarized viewpoints through algorithmic filtering and the spread of misinformation, which may deepen suspicion between religious communities. At the same time, the study identifies opportunities for digital platforms to promote dialogue, interfaith understanding, and peace-oriented communication. The study concludes that while social media can intensify ideological divisions, it also holds considerable potential as a tool for digital peacebuilding when supported by critical digital literacy and intentional efforts to promote responsible and constructive online engagement