The majority of Russians do not believe that online worship can replace personal presence. This was the answer of 61% of participants in a VCIOM study on how religious practices are changing in the digital environment.
Although online has not yet become a full-fledged substitute for attending services, the internet has already entered the religious life of a significant portion of Russians. Over the past two to three years, 36% of respondents have at least once performed some religion-related action online.
Most often, Russians watched videos and listened to podcasts featuring religious figures – 11% of respondents did so. 9% watched online broadcasts of services, and 8% searched for information about religion, read or listened to religious texts.
Less often, Russians visited religious groups on social networks, websites of religious organizations, donated money online, submitted notes, and ordered treby (prayer requests). At the same time, 53% of study participants did none of the above online.
Among Zoomers, 14% searched for information about religion online, and the same number watched religious videos and listened to podcasts. Another 11% discussed religious topics in chats.
Among younger millennials, searching for information about religion was most common – 20%. 15% watched podcasts.
Middle-aged Russians, born between 1968 and 1981, were more likely than others to read websites of religious organizations – 10% – and watch recordings of sermons – 9%.
The generation born between 1948 and 1967 leads in watching online broadcasts of services – 14%. In addition, 6% of representatives of this group submitted online notes.
VCIOM notes that religion remains a significant part of Russians' personal lives, but for most, it does not occupy a central place. This year, 37% of respondents stated that religion plays an important or quite important role for them.
At the same time, for 58% of Russians, religion is not very important or plays no role at all. VCIOM recorded the highest indicator of the importance of religion in 2023 – it was 40%.