Journal of Religion Media and Digital Culture

Scope & Guideline

Fostering Critical Discourse in Digital Religious Studies

Introduction

Welcome to the Journal of Religion Media and Digital Culture information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Journal of Religion Media and Digital Culture, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN2588-8099
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2014 to 2024
AbbreviationJ RELIG MEDIA DIGIT / J. Relig. Media Digit. Cult.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The Journal of Religion Media and Digital Culture serves as a critical platform for exploring the intricate relationships between religious practices, media, and digital culture. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how religion is influenced by and interacts with various media forms in contemporary society.
  1. Intersections of Religion and Digital Media:
    The journal focuses on how digital media platforms transform religious practices, identities, and communities, examining the implications of these changes in various cultural contexts.
  2. Cultural Representations of Religion:
    It analyzes media portrayals of different religions, exploring themes such as representation, authority, and authenticity within religious narratives in both mainstream and alternative media.
  3. Impact of Technology on Religious Practices:
    The journal investigates how technological advancements, such as social media and streaming platforms, affect religious rituals, community engagement, and the dissemination of religious content.
  4. Religious Responses to Societal Issues:
    It explores how religious communities respond to contemporary societal issues, including health crises, social justice movements, and cultural shifts, through digital means.
  5. Global Perspectives on Religion and Media:
    The journal emphasizes a global approach, offering insights into how various cultures interpret and engage with religion and media, thereby enriching the discourse on digital religion.
The Journal of Religion Media and Digital Culture has identified several emerging themes that reflect the current landscape of religion and digital media. These themes highlight the journal's responsiveness to new societal developments and technological advancements.
  1. Digital Communities and Identity Formation:
    Recent publications emphasize the formation of digital communities, particularly among younger audiences, showcasing how identity is negotiated and expressed in online spaces.
  2. Health, Religion, and Digital Media:
    The intersection of health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with religious practices and digital engagement has gained traction, reflecting the need for studies on how faith communities adapt in times of crisis.
  3. Cultural Appropriation and Religion in Digital Spaces:
    Emerging discussions around cultural appropriation in religious contexts highlight the complexities of representation and identity in digital media, especially in relation to marginalized communities.
  4. Psychological and Emotional Aspects of Digital Religion:
    An increasing focus on the psychological and emotional dimensions of engaging with religion online, such as combating loneliness or fostering community, is becoming a significant area of inquiry.
  5. Influence of Social Media Platforms on Faith Practices:
    The role of platforms like TikTok and Instagram in shaping contemporary faith practices and youth engagement with religion is increasingly recognized, indicating a shift towards understanding digital culture's impact on spirituality.

Declining or Waning

While the Journal of Religion Media and Digital Culture continues to explore a wide range of themes, certain topics appear to be declining in prominence. This shift may reflect changes in societal interests, technological advancements, or the evolving nature of religious expression in digital spaces.
  1. Traditional Religious Authority:
    There is a noticeable decline in discussions surrounding traditional forms of religious authority, as more focus shifts towards grassroots movements and individual agency within digital contexts.
  2. Static Representations of Religion:
    The journal has seen a decrease in studies that focus solely on static or historical representations of religion in media, suggesting a shift towards more dynamic and interactive forms of engagement.
  3. Mainstream Media's Role in Religion:
    Research on the role of mainstream media in shaping religious narratives has diminished, potentially indicating a growing interest in alternative media and grassroots movements over traditional outlets.
  4. Religious Extremism Narratives:
    While previously a strong focus, discussions centered on religious extremism and its representation in media are becoming less frequent, possibly due to a broader exploration of nuanced religious identities.
  5. Local vs. Global Religion Dynamics:
    There seems to be a waning interest in strictly local religious dynamics, with a growing emphasis on global interconnectedness and transnational religious movements.

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