The Internalization of Religious Moderation Values in Preventing the Influence of Extremist Content on Social Media

Abstract

Social media, as a product of technological advancement, is often utilized by users primarily for entertainment purposes. However, a critical issue has emerged—social media platforms have also become tools for disseminating extremist content, including provocation, hate speech, and radicalism. This study aims to explore the use of social media as a medium for the internalization of religious moderation values through the creation of positive content as a countermeasure against extremist narratives. The research employs a library research method with content analysis techniques applied to primary and secondary literature on religious moderation, extremist content, and the internalization of moderation values into digital media. The study adopts Rokeach’s theory of value internalization as its analytical framework. The findings indicate that: (1) social media possesses significant potential for the spread of radical ideologies, thus emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and religious moderation in fostering a safe and constructive digital environment; (2) the internalization of religious moderation cultivates balanced, tolerant, and just behavior through education and exemplary conduct, leading to a peaceful and inclusive society; and (3) counter-narrative content on social media serves as an effective means to instill moderation values and shift public behavior toward tolerance, coexistence, and peace.