The Transformation of Islamic Authority through Social Media Influencers and the Contestation of Religious Knowledge

Abstract

This research explores practice mediated piety and construction digital identity among young Muslims in a global context, with focus on negotiations between authenticity religious and demands modernity. Using approach qualitative with method digital observation, analysis content, and interviews in-depth, this study involved 24 participants active on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and online forums, which originates from Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia), the Middle East (Egypt, United Arab Emirates), and Western Europe (England, France). Research results show that practice digital religious nature performative, reflective, and participatory, where participants display verses, quotes Islamic, video lectures, as well as lifestyle content that combines symbol religious and modern aesthetics. Negotiation This identity is influenced by logic platform algorithm (algorithmic authority), pressure attention economy, as well as norm social and cultural local. Analysis thematic identify three theme main: (1) authenticity as performance, (2) digital modernity and aesthetics, and (3) negotiation identity cross culture. This study also found existence digital moral accountability, where the audience monitor consistency practice religious users. This phenomenon confirms that identity digital religious not just reflection faith personal, but results interaction social media, platform strategies, and modern aesthetics. Implication’s study emphasizes importance digital literacy, awareness ethics, and communication strategies creative for young Muslims, influencers, and institutions religious in navigating practice religion in the era of social media.