Between guidance and distraction: The dual impact of internet usage patterns on religious commitment among Arab Muslim youth

This study investigates how Arab Muslim youth perceive the impact of internet use on their religious commitment within a digitally mediated environment. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from a sample of 450 Egyptian university students via a structured questionnaire that measured patterns of internet use, motivations, content exposure and perceived effects on religiosity. The findings reveal that digital media influence religiosity in complex and context-dependent ways. Utilitarian motivations, such as information seeking and learning, as well as prolonged internet use, are associated with more positive assessments of religiosity. In contrast, ritual- and entertainment-oriented motivations are associated with more negative perceptions, supporting the argument that recreational digital engagement may displace religious practices. The study also provides evidence of the third-person effect (TPE), as participants perceived the negative impact of the internet on others’ religiosity as greater than on themselves, while viewing positive effects as equally beneficial. Content type emerged as a key factor: engagement with entertainment-oriented websites (e.g. gaming and dating) was associated with lower perceived religiosity, whereas exposure to educational and religious content was associated with higher commitment. Additionally, despite recognizing the negative effects of internet use on family relationships, participants reported stronger religious commitment, suggesting a possible compensatory mechanism. The findings further support regulatory interventions involving parents, religious institutions and the state. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering motivations, content and perceptual processes in understanding digital religion among Arab Muslim youth.