This article provides a new methodological approach to studying religious-oriented mobile applications available on the iTunes app store. Through an extensive review of 451 religious apps a number of problems were noted when relying solely on iTunes categories to identify app functions and purpose. Thus further analysis was done in order to present a new typology and framing of religious apps, which more accurately describe their design. We suggest that the 11 new categories offered here suggest a critical framework for studying religious apps. Thus this study provides a starting point for scholars interested in analyzing religious mobile applications to investigate how app developers integrate religious goals into their designs, and consider the primary ways people are expected to practice religion through mobile apps.
This article provides a preliminary report of a study of religious-oriented internet memes and seeks to identify the common communication styles, interpretive practices and messages about religion communicated in this digital medium. These findings argue that memes provide an important sphere for investigating and understanding religious meaning-making online, which expresses key attributes of participatory culture and trends towards lived religion.
Mobile phones have had a profound impact on many aspects of contemporary life, including the practice of religion. This chapter outlines the significance of the intersection of religion and mobile phone technology. The study of religion and mobile phones is closely connected to the broader field of “digital religion,” which for nearly two decades has explored how religious individuals and communities use and respond to digital media. Scholars of digital religion have argued that religious communities and culture are increasingly being influence and shaped by digital media in notable ways, especially in relation to issues of identity, community, and authority (Campbell, 2012). These issues are also important in understanding how religious groups engage with and are influenced by mobile technologies and digital culture. The chapter begins by defining the study of mobile media and outlines the history of digital religion as a field of study. Next, it highlights three key areas of research focus in relation to religion and mobile media: the use of mobile media by religious individuals and communities, how religion has been expressed through mobile applications, and reflection on broader cultural significance of the intersection of religion and mobile phones. This leads to a discussion of emerging issues within the study of religion and mobile phones.
This chapter explores the intersection of religion and mobile technology, which is closely connected to the field of digital religion. The chapter begins with a brief background of mobile media studies and digital religion. Next, three key research areas are highlighted. The chapter concludes with emerging trends and suggestions for future research. Because religion interacts with social, political, economic, technological, and global factors, research demands continued theoretical development and nuanced study to understand the relationship between religion and technology.
This chapter explores the intersection of religion and mobile technology, which is closely connected to the field of digital religion. The chapter begins with a brief background of mobile media studies and digital religion. Next, three key research areas are highlighted. The chapter concludes with emerging trends and suggestions for future research. Because religion interacts with social, political, economic, technological, and global factors, research demands continued theoretical development and nuanced study to understand the relationship between religion and technology.
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