The Transformation of Da'wah in the Digital Era: An Analysis of FoMO Culture in the Dissemination and Reception of Islamic Messages

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed da'wah practices by expanding the dissemination of Islamic messages through social media, digital platforms, and networked communication environments. Alongside this transformation, Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) has emerged as a prominent feature of digital culture, influencing how individuals engage with, disseminate, and receive information online. This study aimed to analyze the transformation of da'wah in the digital era and examine the role of FoMO culture in shaping the dissemination and reception of Islamic messages within social media ecosystems. The study employed a qualitative literature review approach using a narrative-integrative review design. Data were collected from peer-reviewed journal articles, books, conference proceedings, and scholarly publications published between 2015 and 2026. Relevant literature was identified through major academic databases and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, patterns, and relationships across studies. The findings indicate that digital transformation has shifted da'wah from conventional face-to-face communication toward interactive, algorithm-driven, and socially networked communication practices. FoMO culture was found to increase audience engagement with Islamic content by encouraging continuous connectivity, information-seeking behavior, content sharing, and participation in online religious discussions. However, FoMO also contributes to challenges such as content simplification, misinformation, polarization, and fragmented religious understanding. Furthermore, audience reception of Islamic messages is increasingly influenced by social validation, algorithmic visibility, and trend-driven engagement. The study concludes that FoMO functions as a significant mediating factor between digital communication technologies and contemporary Islamic communication practices. These findings contribute to digital religion and Islamic communication studies while providing insights for developing effective, ethical, and audience-centered digital da'wah strategies.