ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CURBING RELIGIOUS CRISIS IN NIGERIA USING SELECTED RELIGIOUS CRISIS AS STUDIES

The study looks at the topic “ Role of social media in curbing religious crisis in Nigeria, using selected religious crisis as studies.” The objectives of this study were to analyze the Influence of Social Media on Religious Crises. To Identify the Mechanisms through Which Social Media Can Curb Religious Crises. To Evaluate the Challenges and Limitations of Using Social Media in Conflict Resolution. The study employed the social penetration theory and the cognitive dissonance theory, then the survey research design with questionnaire was used as an instrument, to collect responses from a sample size of 400 Benin City residents. The study revealed that social media have a reasonable influence in religious conflict resolution although the positivity or negativity of the influence greatly depends on how well it is managed within the period of crisis. It was also discovered that social media campaigns promoting interfaith dialogue and tolerance are essential for mitigating religious conflicts and that influencers or prominent figures on social media can significantly contribute to promoting religious harmony. Lastly, it was revealed that two major limitations of suing social media in religious conflict resolution, which are misinformation and fake news. The study then recommended that, the creation and promotion of social media campaigns that focus on interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and understanding should be encouraged. It also stated that Social media platforms should establish stronger fact-checking and content moderation policies to prevent the spread of misinformation and fake news, which can inflame religious tensions. And finally, Governments, NGOs, and community organizations should develop guidelines and best practices for the responsible use of social media during religious crises.