Three-in-ten U.S. adults go online to search for information about religion

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May 30, 2023

Online Religious Services Appeal to Many Americans, but Going in Person Remains More Popular

Three-in-ten U.S. adults go online to search for information about religion

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Three-in-ten U.S. adults go online to search for information about religion

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Online Religious Services Appeal to Many Americans, but Going in Person Remains More Popular
One-in-five U.S. adults use apps or websites for scripture reading
Two-thirds of worshippers are highly satisfied with virtual religious services
People give higher ratings to sermons, music they hear in person
Among those who do both, three-quarters prefer going to religious services in person rather than online
16% of U.S. adults attend religious services in person but don’t regularly watch online; 10% watch online but don’t attend in person; 17% do both
About half of those who watch religious services online or on TV generally do so by themselves
16% of U.S. adults are heavy users of religious technology
17% of U.S. adults have blocked or unfollowed someone online to see less of their religious content
Members of Black Protestant and evangelical denominations more likely to express satisfaction with virtual worship
Black adults more likely than others to watch virtual religious services
One-third of Black adults are ‘heavy users’ of religious apps and websites
Convenience cited as top reason for watching virtual services
Chart shows Half of highly religious adults under age 50 are ‘heavy users’ of religious technology
Other spiritual pursuits and COVID-19 concerns are top reasons people give for going to services in person less often

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