Objective: This research aims to identify and explain the opportunities and challenges of religion in new media, particularly in the context of Instagram.
Methodology: This study is qualitative, utilizing "thematic analysis and data visualization techniques," based on "semi-structured interviews." It is developmental-applied in nature and employs thematic coding for data analysis. Data were collected through individual interviews with 15 experts and scholars in religion and media, using purposive sampling and a snowball method. Ultimately, the most significant opportunities and challenges of religion in the new media of Instagram were identified and explained, along with proposed solutions to address them.
Findings: The most important identified opportunities include foresight in content production, management of the active presence of religious institutions in cyberspace, and leveraging the capabilities of Instagram. The primary challenges in the realm of new media include weak religious presence in cyberspace, superficiality of religion and doubts about it, exploitation of cyberspace by the West, and the targeted destruction of Islamic and Iranian values.
Discussion and Conclusion: Media managers and those involved in religious advertising can utilize the findings of this research. Media managers should particularly emphasize foresight in content production and active presence in cyberspace, striving to strengthen and promote robust and profound religious discussions in this space.