Interfaith Holiday Greetings in Digital Religious Discourse: Polarization and Tolerance among Netizens on YouTube

Abstrak

This study aims to examine the dynamics of netizen interactions regarding interfaith holiday greetings in digital spaces, particularly within discussions on the YouTube account Majelis Islam. The research is important because debates about interfaith greetings often reflect broader tensions between social tolerance and theological boundaries in plural societies. This study employs a qualitative research approach using digital discourse analysis. Data were collected through observation and documentation of video content and netizen comments on selected YouTube uploads discussing the permissibility of interfaith holiday greetings. The data were then analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns of responses, narrative tendencies, and the role of religious authority in shaping online discussions. The findings show that narratives of tolerance dominate the interaction among netizens, although resistance from groups adhering to literal theological interpretations remains present. The study also finds that generational background and references to religious authorities significantly influence how audiences interpret and respond to sensitive religious issues in digital environments. These findings highlight how social media functions as a public arena where religious identity, theological interpretation, and social tolerance are continuously negotiated. The study contributes to the field of digital religion and religious moderation by providing empirical insights into how religious discourse develops within online public spaces. The originality of this research lies in its focus on analysing netizen interaction patterns on YouTube to understand how debates on interfaith greetings are constructed, contested, and negotiated in Indonesia’s digital religious landscape.