Understanding Religious Practice: An Analysis of Religious Content among WhatsApp Users

Abstract

WhatsApp application has recently emerged as a substitute of SMS in developing countries. It includes a variety of functions such as sharing live location, files, video, audio and text messages to any part of the world without any additional cost. The increasing trend of WhatsApp messenger as an innovative communication application in the metropolitan city Karachi is a matter of newer subject of interest that needs evaluation and research based understanding. It generates huge volume of data which has not yet been researched thoroughly in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was conducted with an aim to analyze the religious or anti religious content prevailing through WhatsApp conversations. It also aimed at exploring the frequency and composition of WhatsApp users. Content Analysis method was used in this regard. A total of 50 private and group conversations of 15 days were collected from 25 students and 25 professionals. The quantitative data was analyzed through python programming language. It was discovered that a total number of 66,327 messages, 869,404 words and 6163 media files were sent by 2,023 WhatsApp users in 30 days. It was also discovered that students are more engaged in anti religious activities on WhatsApp. However professionals share different religious quotations, sayings on WhatsApp in form of pictures and video messages. Initials of Arabic words like WS, MA, AOA are frequently used in WhatsApp conversations. Both students and professionals celebrate religious events on WhatsApp by wishing each other using their specific religious emojis. Furthermore, it was also discovered that WhatsApp is also being used to talk about religious extremism. The innovation of smart phone and instant messaging applications are changing the way people practice their religion. Different beliefs, faiths and religions are adopting online through these technologies. People use WhatsApp to communicate their religious ideas and beliefs.People take part in discussions related religion and sometimes leave or change any religion after discussion. It is concluded that it is indispensible to revolutionize and adopt the latest technology in order to dilute the emerging religious challenges in Pakistan.