The Digitalization of Islam on YouTube and Pakistani Youth Religious Identity, Belief, and Tolerance in a Digital Age

This research study explores how Islamic content on YouTube influences the religious beliefs and practices, religious identity, and religious tolerance levels among Pakistani youth. Using Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT) and Social Learning Theory (SLT), this study investigates how engagement with online religious content on YouTube from some scholars and organizations influences on motivations and behavioural responses of undergraduate students from age 20-26. Based on focus group discussions, the findings revealed dual trend, while some youth demonstrate stronger faith, discipline in practicing Islam, and religious tolerance, others develop signs of exclusion attitudes and rigid interpretation of Islam labelled as extremism, perceived in relation to lake of empathy, rigidity, and accusative tone but not as violence. Core themes include shaping of digital religious identities, peer influence, algorithmic exposure to Islamic content, and skepticism towards celebrity scholars and organizations on YouTube. The study highlights key implications for religious educators, media regulators, and policymakers and contributes to understand digital religion in South Asia.