The influence of the use of social media and PAI learning on students' perceptions of religious moderation at MTs Al-Islam

This study explores how social media usage and Islamic Religious Education (PAI) instruction influence students' perceptions of religious moderation at MTs Al-Islam. Religious moderation is vital for sustaining social cohesion within Indonesias pluralistic society composed of various religions, ethnicities, and cultures. However, the rise of the digital era presents new challenges, particularly through social media platforms that can shape students perceptions either positively or negatively. Utilizing a quantitative research method with a survey approach, the study involved 9th-grade students selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires assessing the frequency of social media use, the quality of PAI learning, and students' views on religious moderation. The analysis employed multiple linear regression to examine both individual and combined effects of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Findings indicate: (1) social media engagement significantly impacts students perceptions, especially when they access educational and tolerant content; (2) effective PAI instruction, especially through interactive and dialogical methods, enhances values of inclusivity and harmony; (3) together, these two factors synergize in fostering students moderate attitudes. The study suggests promoting digital literacy and adopting innovative teaching strategies in PAI to maximize the beneficial influences of both social media and formal education in nurturing a tolerant, inclusive, and harmonious younger generation.