The Impact of Facebook on Youth's Freedom of Belief in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

New media tools, including social networking platforms like Facebook, offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals to express and discuss their opinions and beliefs. Given the diverse religious landscape in the Kurdistan Region, this study aims to examine the extent to which social media platforms, particularly Facebook, influence the freedom of belief among young people in the region. This research follows a descriptive approach, employing surveys as the primary method to gather data and address research questions. The study targeted young people from all four governorates of the Kurdistan Region: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja. 702 respondents as a simple participated in the online survey. The findings of the study reveal several conclusions. A notable finding is that the majority of respondents perceive that speeches and posts of religious people have a negative impact on freedom of belief and religion on Facebook. These conclusions shed light on the influence of Facebook and the importance of understanding its implications for freedom of belief among the youth in the Kurdistan Region.