Effect of Utilization of Whatsapp Social Media Platform on Spiritual Growth of Church Members a Case of New Life Church Kenya
- June 13, 2019
- Posted by: RSIS
- Category: Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue V, May 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186
Paul Kamau1, Dr. John Kamau2, Nicholas Mwaura3, Mary Njau4
1,3 Pan African Christian University, Kenya
2,4 Africa Nazarene University, Kenya
Abstract:- The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of utilization of social media on spiritual growth of church members. The study focused on use of the most popular platform (WhatsApp) on the particular target population.
The study was anchored on technology acceptance model and collected data from 278 church members. The study utilized a questionnaire which was pretested to ensure its validity and reliability.The findings indicate that utilization of WhatsApp social media contributes significantly to spiritual development of church members. The study recommends that church leaders and members should be sensitized on importance of using social media not only for social interactions but also to enhance spiritual growth of church members.
Key words: Social media, Whatsapp, spiritual growth, relationship development, mature believer
I. BACKGROUND
The twenty first century has seen rapid growth in communication technology that has revolutionized the way we live and interact with one another. People around the world are rapidly integrating virtual form of communication in their daily lives. According to (Buffardi and Campbell, 2008), the rapid growth of online network is transforming interpersonal relationships with a shift to the digital world, thereby changing landscape of social communities from the physical to the digital realm. This however is developing contrasting views in cultivating and maintaining online social connectedness that befits face-to-face relationships. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of Whatsapp social media platform on spiritual growth.
Social network sites
The Social networking sites (SNSs) otherwise known as social media provides an online space for people to share their opinions with others and to participate in a variety of activities. A social networking sites provide interactive platform that enables its users communicate with other members to establish social relations, to share information and knowledge relative to individual experiences activities in real- life, (Chun-Ming & Meng-Hsiang, 2016).
