مجلة رؤى مستقبلية للدراسات الاجتماعية والإنسانية
Volume 3, Numéro 1, Pages 78-91
2026-06-19

Youth Radicalization, Religion, And Human Security: A Study Of Online Religious Communities In Southwestern Nigeria



Authors : Toyyib Adebisi Abdulwahid .

Abstract

Abstract The rapid expansion of digital technology in Nigeria has transformed the way young people engage with religion, politics, and identity. While online platforms have become spaces for spiritual learning and communal solidarity, they have also emerged as potential vectors for radicalization, misinformation, and hate-driven mobilization. This study investigates the relationship between online religious engagement and youth radicalization in Southwestern Nigeria, focusing on how digital religious communities shape human security. Using a quantitative approach, survey data were collected from 400 respondents across six southwestern states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti). The findings reveal that social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and WhatsApp serve as significant mediators of religious influence among youths aged 18–35. Approximately 37% of respondents acknowledged encountering extremist narratives online, while 21% reported that these messages affected their perception of religious “others.” Statistical analysis (Pearson correlation, r = .46, p < .05) indicates a moderate relationship between online religious exposure and susceptibility to radicalized ideology. The study concludes that although online religion provides spiritual empowerment, unregulated digital preaching fosters insecurity and ideological division. It recommends a collaborative strategy between faith-based organizations, government agencies, and digital media companies to strengthen online literacy and promote peace-oriented religious narratives.

Keywords

youth radicalization, religion, human security, online communities, Nigeria, digital religion

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