THE ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN FORMING THE RELIGIOUS IDENTITY OF CONTEMPORARY STUDENT YOUTH

Abstract

The article reveals the role of mass media in the process of forming the religious identity of modern student youth. The phenomenon of religious self-determination becomes particularly relevant as a process of religious change, which is influenced by factors whose number cannot but change in the modern world. Theoretically significant for this article are the works of Peter Berger, who develops social constructionism in sociology and considers the role and place of religion in modern secularized society. The work also used the theory of mediatization developed by S. Hjarvard and M. Levheim. The empirical basis is the results of qualitative and quantitative research. Using the results of interviews with UdSU students, it was possible to determine the features of practical student religiousness, as well as students' attitude towards the media. Using the results of an online survey of UdSU students, the relationship to religion and religious figures was analyzed depending on what news the student meets. In addition, the main indicators of religiosity were identified, as well as the sources of news about religion. Religious identity is formed primarily in the family. Students mostly go through the process of converting to religion in early childhood. The process of religious conversion is manifested in different ways - baptism, attendance of religious Sunday schools, discussions about religion, and imitation of family members. During student years, students question their religiosity. As active users of electronic technology, students encounter news about religion in the media (mainly on television and on the Internet). However, if they need information related to religion, students tend to turn primarily to religious officials with whom they know, religious relatives, friends who seem to be authority on the subject, and the Internet. The final decision, however, is made by the student.