The Use of Digital Media and Its Impact on Religious Extremism in Iraq (A Field Study on Students of Al-Mustaqbal University)

Abstract

This research aims to study the repercussions of using digital media and its impact on the issue of religious extremism in Iraq. This is based on the idea that these media have the characteristics of accessibility, effectiveness, and widespread reach, making them influential tools on the audience receiving the media message. The research includes a field study on a group of individuals to measure the impact of digital media usage on the religious extremism that has spread among Iraqi society, in order to understand the main issues, factors behind its emergence, and the consequences of this phenomenon. The complex interaction between digital media and religious extremism raises urgent questions about the nature of their relationship. Are digital media merely a tool for transmitting extremist ideas, or are they a catalyst that reshapes these ideas? Can they be considered a neutral medium, or do they play an active role in fueling extremist tendencies? The study reveals a weakness in the use of these applications, leaving behind many issues that have affected individuals within society, such as the absolute freedom to spread opinions and some exploiting this to broadcast harmful ideas, leading to increased tension within the same society. The researcher employed a descriptive survey method for the study, using a questionnaire targeted at a purposive sample of 110 students. The results showed that the most significant issues related to religious extremism are those involving the dissemination of extremist religious fatwas. The main factors contributing to the spread of the phenomenon are the prevalence of incitement and hatred speech within society. As for the repercussions of using digital media, it was summarized as a space free from oversight.