Social Solidarity Influence of Social Media: An Analysis of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Gaba Community, Eldoret Kenya

Abstract

In the contemporary society, solidary may be well achieved through the use of social media. Since the advent of social media platforms, scholars have been fascinated by the wanton enticement of these platforms of millions of users globally. Different platforms among others Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; WhattsApp; X (formerly Twitter); TikTok; Snapchat; LinkedIn; and Pinterest are connecting people from all around the world. Many studies have investigated the relation between social media and the church, how this type of media could affect the church and whether the use of social media would impact the growth of the Church or not. However, few reports examine the association of social media and solidarity social teaching (SST) of the Catholic Church. The purpose of this study was to investigate the link between diverse features of social media and SST among the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) community at Gaba Campus in Eldoret. The study adopted cross sectional research design, involving mixed method approaches to collect primary and secondary sources of data. The main source of quantitative data collection was the survey of members of the congregation, while the qualitative aspect of data was largely through desk and internet reviews. Random sampling technique was used to establish a 70 sample size of respondents from 234 CUEA Gaba community involving the Gaba Catholic students, Small Christian Communities(SCCs) and staff. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression and Chi Square models. Majority (31.43%) of respondents’ age was in the range of 18 – 44 years, most (90%) of whom were ardent users of WhattsApp (57.14%), Facebook (24.29%), and TikTok (8.57%). Regression results revealed a significant association between social media and social solidarity (R=0.537; R2=0.289), and Chi Square test on all predictors of social media showed a significant association with Social media: Social relations [X2=28.048, DF=7; P<0.001]; Sense of belonging [X2=55.149; DF=7, P<0.001]; Inclusion [X2=26.090, DF=6; P<0.001]; Participation [X2=89.217, DF=8; P<0.001]; Diversity [X2=45.235, DF=9; P<0.001]; Personal Outlook [X2=55.388, DF=7; P<0.001]; and Peace and security [X2=81.143, DF=9; P<0.001]. Based on study results, the constructive effects social media have on the advancement of social solidarity haven been identified. As more and more people join social media platforms, the study justifies Catholic Church exploitation of the opportunities to reach a wider audience and build deeper relationships with its congregation.