Beyond the Moral Risks of Social Media: Christian Digital Spirituality as a Pedagogical Paradigm for Moral Formation in the Digital Generation

Abstract

Abstract:

This study examines the internalization of Christian moral values in social media use among the digital generation through the lens of Christian education. This research is grounded in the tendency of previous studies to emphasize the negative impacts of social media—such as digital narcissism and ethical crises—without sufficiently exploring the pedagogical role of Christian education in shaping digital morality. The study aims to analyze strategies for internalizing Christian moral values—such as love, truth, responsibility, self-control, and wisdom—within social media practices. The method employed is descriptive qualitative research through a critical literature review of theological, pedagogical, and social studies related to digital media. The findings reveal that social media is not merely a space of moral risk but can also function as a medium for faith identity formation when integrated with contextual and transformative Christian education. The internalization of Christian morality requires synergy among character education, digital literacy, spiritual discipline, and faith-based communication ethics. The novelty of this study lies in the development of the concept of Christian digital spirituality as a new pedagogical paradigm within Christian education to cultivate a digital generation that is moral, critical, and responsible in its use of social media. These findings affirm that Christian education plays a strategic role in constructively responding to the challenges of digital culture.