# Digital religion and Generation Z: an empirical study in the context of China

## TL;DR

This study explores how social media influences religious behavior among Chinese Gen Z, showing that innovative content and empathy drive digital religious engagement.

## Contribution

The study extends the Theory of Planned Behavior by integrating media content innovation and empathic willingness in the context of digital religion.

## Key findings

- Media content innovation and empathic willingness significantly enhance digital religious behavior.
- Social media platforms like Weibo and TikTok foster emotional engagement and active participation in religious practices.
- Religious intentions among Chinese Gen Z are amplified through visually engaging and emotionally resonant content.

## Abstract

This study investigates the intersection of digital media and religious behavior among Chinese Generation Z, extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by incorporating media content innovation and empathic willingness. It explores how platforms like Weibo and TikTok shape religious intentions and behaviors through visual and interactive features.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 534 Chinese Generation Z participants. Data were collected via surveys assessing the influence of media content innovation and empathic willingness on digital religious behavior, using the TPB framework. Structural equation modeling analyzed the relationships between these factors and religious intentions.

Findings indicate that media content innovation and empathic willingness significantly enhance digital religious behavior within the TPB framework. Vibrant, emotionally resonant content on social media platforms fosters emotional engagement and active participation, amplifying religious intentions among participants.

These results highlight social media’s transformative role in redefining religious practices among Chinese Generation Z. Media content innovation and empathic willingness emerge as critical drivers of engagement. The findings offer insights for religious organizations, policymakers, and social media platforms to foster meaningful cultural and religious interactions. This study underscores the need for tailored digital strategies to promote spiritual engagement in the digital age.