EXPLORING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF ZAKAT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

Social Media are Interactive Technologies that Facilitate the Creation, Sharing and Aggregation of Content, Ideas, Interests, and Other Forms of Expression through Virtual Communities and Networks. Social Media Refers to New Forms of Media that Involve Interactive Participation. While Challenges to the Definition of Social Media Arise due to the Variety of Stand-Alone and Built-in Social Media Services Currently Available. This study investigates the Multifaceted Relationship between Social Media Usage and Religious Beliefs and Practices in Nigeria. The aim of study is to explore the impact of social media on Religious Beliefs and Practices while the objectives of the study is to examine the impact of Social Media on Religious Beliefs and Practices in Nigeria and to explore the influence of social media on Religious identity, formation, Religious authority structures. Findings from the study shows that social media has been instrumental in mobilizing followers for religious events and activities, as well as providing a platform for religious debates and discussions. It concludes that while social media has provided a valuable tool for connecting with religious leaders, accessing religious content, and participating in religious discussions, there are also concerns regarding the spread of misinformation, polarization of religious groups, and the potential for extremist ideologies to be promoted. The study therefore recommends that religious organizations and leaders should actively monitor social media platforms for the spread of misinformation and employ strategies to combat fake news and misinformation related to religious beliefs.