Extreme Beliefs in a Digital Age: Influence of digital media on social imaginaries, epistemic authorities and fundamentalist beliefs of Gen Y and Gen Z in Amsterdam and Mumbai

This PhD discusses Gen Y and Gen Z's susceptibility to fundamentalist discourses and religious affective content in digital media and suggests ways to combat extremism both online and offline. It highlights social media, through algorithmic persuasion, as a significant tool that can lead to radicalization due to factors like anxiety and grievances. The study also explores the link between fundamentalist beliefs and digital media, noting how social media increasingly shapes public opinion. It analyzes hate speech sentiments against global religions on Instagram and the influence of far-right political movements in the Netherlands on immigration narratives. This inquiry goes deeper into the impact of social media on religious beliefs and behaviors of Christians, Hindus and Muslims in Mumbai and Amsterdam. In conclusion, the research emphasizes the role of social media content as epistemic source in shaping religious authority and societal cohesion while highlighting challenges faced by religious minorities in Mumbai and Amsterdam. This study synthesizes the conceptualization of the social and religious existence of Gen Y and Gen Z individuals in both the digital and offline worlds by examining the beliefs of Christians, Hindus, and Muslims, with a focus on social imaginaries and epistemic authority. In the present digital landscape, conservative and orthodox forms of religion are often viewed with disdain, frequently misrepresented, and negatively framed with labels such as “Christian Fundamentalist”, “Islam Terrorist”, and “Hindu Devil Worshipper”. These groups are positioned as outgroups and subjected to epistemic injustice within digital media spaces. In connection with this, the rising popularity of niche digital platforms, such as Cestmocro, among marginalized minority groups may also be shaped by the negative framing on social media and the growing sympathy for far-right rhetoric within mainstream media. In both cities, the respondents appear to have decreasing trust in politicians, which is closely linked to growing doubts about the reliability of news journalism in mainstream media. It was also concluded that well-educated individuals from both Amsterdam and Mumbai demonstrated a strong understanding of their own beliefs yet frequently appeared unaware of the sacred values held by others in their cities. It furthermore addresses the emerging trends such as AI and geopolitical developments in society that may have a burgeoning effect on studying digital religion, fundamentalism, and radicalization. Followed by a discussion on how lessons on sensitive societal issues in schools can help deradicalize young adults, despite the growing influence of affective content in social media on the cognition of individuals. The study also emphasized that online deradicalization, should be “holistic” and focused toward “the process of radicalization”, while the digital domain, “represents just one piece of a larger puzzle”. The dissertation is concluded by providing recommendations for further interdisciplinary studies on digital religion, media, and fundamentalist beliefs.