The influence of religious education on students’ ethical approach to social media usage in Yola North LGA, Adamawa State
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Background of the Study
The rapid proliferation of social media has transformed the way young people interact, access information, and form opinions. In Yola North LGA, Adamawa State, the ethical challenges associated with social media usage have become a growing concern among educators and policymakers. Religious education, which plays a pivotal role in shaping moral frameworks, has been posited as a potential counterbalance to the negative influences prevalent in digital environments. This study examines the extent to which religious teachings can instill an ethical approach to social media usage among students. It explores how doctrines that emphasize honesty, responsibility, and respect can influence digital behavior, promoting a culture of ethical online engagement (Bello, 2023).
In the context of Yola North, where digital literacy and internet accessibility are rapidly increasing, the challenge is to integrate traditional moral values with modern digital practices. Religious education offers a unique perspective by addressing issues of authenticity, accountability, and community in the virtual realm. Previous research has indicated that students who receive comprehensive moral and religious instruction are better equipped to navigate the complexities of online interactions, thereby reducing incidences of cyberbullying, misinformation dissemination, and unethical digital conduct (Abubakar, 2024). Additionally, the study recognizes that social media platforms often blur the lines between personal and public spheres, necessitating a robust ethical framework that can guide behavior. Through a curriculum that combines theoretical religious principles with practical digital ethics, educational institutions in Yola North are in a strategic position to foster responsible online behavior among students.
Furthermore, the cultural context in Adamawa State, characterized by strong communal ties and religious observances, creates an environment conducive to the internalization of ethical norms. Educators and community leaders have observed that integrating religious education with digital literacy initiatives not only enhances students’ technical competencies but also reinforces values that encourage respectful and responsible engagement on social media platforms (Garba, 2025). This study, therefore, aims to bridge the gap between traditional moral instruction and contemporary digital challenges, providing insights into how religious education can be leveraged to cultivate an ethical digital citizenry in Yola North.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized potential of religious education to promote ethical behavior, challenges persist in its application to digital contexts. In Yola North LGA, the surge in social media usage has coincided with an increase in unethical online practices, including cyberbullying, misinformation, and breaches of privacy. The disjunction between traditional moral teachings and the dynamic, often ambiguous, ethical landscape of social media usage poses significant challenges. While religious education emphasizes principles such as honesty, respect, and accountability, these values appear to be inconsistently applied in online interactions. The current curriculum may not adequately address the specific ethical dilemmas presented by digital platforms, leading to a gap between expected moral behavior and actual student practices (Umar, 2023).
Furthermore, the rapid evolution of technology outpaces the pace at which religious curricula are updated, resulting in a disconnect between traditional teachings and modern digital realities. This discrepancy raises concerns about the effectiveness of religious education in cultivating ethical digital citizens. The problem is compounded by external pressures such as peer influence and the allure of online anonymity, which can undermine the internalization of ethical norms. Consequently, there is a need to re-examine and possibly reformulate the religious education curriculum to incorporate relevant digital ethics content, ensuring that the teachings are not only relevant but also practical in guiding behavior online (Ibrahim, 2024). The present study seeks to identify these gaps and assess the degree to which religious education influences ethical social media usage, while also exploring potential strategies to enhance its effectiveness in addressing the challenges of the digital age (Mohammed, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
1. To investigate the impact of religious education on students’ ethical approaches to social media usage.
2. To identify the key religious principles that inform ethical digital behavior.
3. To assess the challenges and opportunities in integrating digital ethics into religious curricula.
Research Questions:
1. How does religious education influence students’ ethical approaches to social media usage in Yola North LGA?
2. What religious principles are most influential in shaping online ethical behavior?
3. What challenges exist in applying traditional ethical teachings to digital contexts?
Research Hypotheses:
1. Religious education significantly enhances students’ ethical decision-making in social media usage.
2. Students with a robust religious background exhibit fewer unethical online behaviors compared to their peers.
3. Integrating digital ethics into religious curricula will positively influence ethical social media practices.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it offers critical insights into how religious education can shape ethical digital behavior among students in Yola North LGA. By addressing the gap between traditional moral instruction and contemporary digital challenges, the research provides a framework for curriculum developers and policymakers to reform educational content. The findings will aid in cultivating responsible digital citizenship and reducing unethical online practices, thereby contributing to a more respectful and accountable digital community (Mustapha, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to assessing the influence of religious education on ethical social media usage among students in Yola North LGA, Adamawa State. It focuses on secondary school students and does not extend to other educational levels. The investigation is confined to the curricular aspects and excludes broader socio-economic influences.
Definitions of Terms:
1. Ethical Approach: A manner of making decisions that prioritize moral values and responsible behavior.
2. Social Media Usage: The engagement with online platforms for communication, information sharing, and networking.
3. Religious Education: Instruction that imparts knowledge about religious doctrines and moral values.
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