The process of self-understanding in the digital age from the perspective of religious education: "The formation and interaction of real and virtual identities"

The aim of our research is to understand the relationship between the real and virtual worlds for individuals receiving religious education, and the impact of this relationship on their identity integrity. Specifically, it is important to examine how identities formed in the virtual world reflect in real life and whether they align with religious identities, as this is crucial for individuals to overcome identity confusion. The research aims to provide a perspective on the relationship between the virtual identities of individuals receiving religious education and their religious identities in real life. This perspective is intended to guide researchers, educators, and counselors. The study employs a qualitative research method and the semi-structured interview technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with early middle-aged adults, aged 30-50, living in Diyarbakır. The research sample consists of individuals from Generation Y who use social media. The results of the research indicate that religious education helps individuals understand and strengthen their religious identities. It was emphasized that the effects of media, and especially social media, on individuals should be evaluated critically. It was concluded that while the virtual world can meet individuals' needs for self-expression and existence, the importance of real-world experiences should not be forgotten. Additionally, it was found that social media use can trigger narcissistic tendencies and that individuals should observe ethical responsibilities. The research also concludes that religious education can teach individuals moral values and how to apply these values in the digital world.