Social Media as a Possible Tool for Containing the Impacts of Religious Activities on Environment in Nigeria

Abstract

Existing literatures have largely focused on the role of social media in environmental awareness with insignificant attention paid specifically to the prospect of social media in creating environmental awareness among religious practitioners. The attitude of religious practitioners in Nigeria towards the environment is unbecoming, and it is most often hinged on a one-sided interpretation of scriptural verses like Gen. 8:28 and Psalm 8:6-8, according to which man is believed to have been bequeathed a purported “domineering place” in the ecosystem. Given the concomitant dominion mentality of the erroneous scriptural praxis, and the observed influence of religious activities in the pace of the environmental degradation bedeviling Nigeria, this study analyses the prospects of social media as a possible effective tool in containing the negative impacts of religious activities on environment in Nigeria. Banking on the assumptions of Hungerford and Volk’s behavioural change theory, the study specifically explored the potential of social media in helping to promote the knowledge of environmental variables, and boost positive attitude towards the environment, towards engendering a sustainable environment in Nigeria. The paper equally identifies some of the potential challenges of social media that could hinder the effectiveness of digital advocacy in Nigeria. The study adopted the analytical approach, and used secondary sources to elicit information. It was discovered that social media is a promising mechanism for promoting the knowledge of environmental variables and positive attitudes towards the environment if properly leveraged.