Digital spirituality grows, but young people still trust family and religious leaders

Social media and religious applications have become popular tools for teenagers to seek comfort and spiritual connection, although they continue to prioritise in-person spaces and guidance from religious leaders, according to a report from UCLA's Centre for Scholars and Storytellers.

By El Medio Oriente

August 23, 2026

A diverse group of people gather in a circle in a room with white walls and a blue panel, some holding religious books while listening to a female leader standing. — Young people and adults participate in an in-person religious gathering, prioritising spiritual connection in community and guidance from religious leaders, as shown in UCLA research on youth spirituality. (Phys.org)

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Social media, music, religion-focused applications and other spiritual content online have become popular ways for adolescents to find comfort and connection, as well as to explore ideas related to faith, religion and spirituality, according to a new report from UCLA's Centre for Scholars and Storytellers (CSS).

However, young people still prioritise in-person spaces such as churches, mosques or synagogues in their practice of faith and turn to family and religious leaders for spiritual and religious guidance, the report notes.