The Crisis of Religious Moderation in the Digital Space: Algorithms as Actors in Political Polarization on Social Media

Abstract

Political polarization on social media poses a serious challenge to the actualization of religious moderation (wasatiyyah) in the digital space. This article aims to analyze the role of social media algorithms in shaping political polarization and their impact on the values of religious moderation. This study employs a qualitative approach using library research. Data were collected through a review of scientific literature and various phenomena related to digital politics in Indonesia, and were subsequently analyzed using a descriptive-analytical method. The findings indicate that algorithms do not merely function as neutral instruments for information distribution but also play an active role in producing, intensifying, and reproducing polarization through four mechanisms: epistemic downranking, emotional amplification, fragmentation of meaning, and echo chamber reproduction. These four mechanisms restrict access to comprehensive information, intensify emotional responses, and limit users’ exposure to differing perspectives. This condition undermines society’s ability to uphold fairness, balance, and tolerance. This article proposes three pillars for strengthening religious moderation in the digital space: improving social media algorithm design, enhancing users’ digital wasatiyyah competencies, and strengthening the roles of religious scholars (ulama), academics, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), and religious institutions as epistemic mediators. These three pillars must be implemented in an integrated manner to restore the quality of public knowledge and strengthen religious moderation in the digital era.