What Is the Extent of the Church's Influence on Behavior Change among Adolescent Students in Catholic Secondary Schools of Murang'a East Sub-County in the Presence of Social Media?

Abstract

Social media has become an integral part of the lives of adolescents, granting them access to online networks and shaping their behaviors. This study examines the influence of the Church on behavior change among adolescent students in Catholic secondary schools of Murang'a East Sub-county amidst the presence of social media. The objectives of the study were to identify the social media platforms accessed by students, assess the effects of social media on behavior change, examine the Church's role in behavior change influenced by social media, and propose solutions to mitigate the negative effects of social media-induced behavior change. The study adopted a descriptive survey method, with a sample size of 345 respondents drawn from three Catholic-sponsored secondary schools. Data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focused group discussions. The findings revealed that a majority of the students were actively involved in religious activities and accessed social media platforms, with Facebook being the most preferred site, followed by Instagram, Whatsapp, TikTok, and others. Students utilized social media for various purposes, such as chatting with friends and connecting with family, and discovered new skills and talents. Negative effects of social media use, including low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and misplaced ambitions, were also identified. The study established a positive correlation between social media usage and behavior change while recognizing the significant role of religion in shaping and preserving moral values. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of religion in students' lives and confirms the impact of social media on behavior transformation. Recommendations include collaboration between the government and religious organizations to address internet-related challenges faced by students, as well as enhancing the capacity of teachers and school administrators to navigate social media and its associated issues.