Nnadiebube Journal of Religion, Culture and Society

This article examines how digital spirituality and mental health intersect in today's religious landscape, focusing on the concept of the "networked self." It explores how Gen Z and Spiritual free agents use digital spaces to shape their personal spiritual experiences, seeking a balance between doing things their own way and staying connected to a larger community. While research on this is evolving, it seems clear that many people are drawn to online spiritual communities that let them customise their experiences and form real emotional connections, rather than just following traditional rules. This trend supports the "Affective Sovereignty" idea, suggesting a move away from strict traditions towards a more personal approach to faith. The "Digital Mediated Immanence" theory also suggests that digital platforms are becoming new kinds of sacred spaces, offering people a sense of the divine that was once found mainly in physical places. This shift brings up important questions about what spirituality really means in the digital age, especially when it comes to balancing personal satisfaction with genuine experiences of the divine. The article also discusses the new challenges facing spiritual leaders, who now must address both the appeal of self-made beliefs and the deeper call to engage with something greater, as seen in the metaphorical difference between the Golden Calf and the Burning Bush. Using a qualitative approach that employs thematic and conceptual synthesis of prior research, this study explores how digital spirituality is evolving among Generation Z and other spiritual explorers. By applying Cybertheology, the article looks at how people form and express their spiritual identities online, offering a broad picture and thematic analysis of how digital spaces are becoming both sacred and social. The findings highlight the need for more research into how digital media shapes spiritual identities and communities today.

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