“They give me the motivation”

Influencers as sources of inspiration and role models for Muslim young people
Dr. Said Topalović (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)

Influencers are increasingly taking on the role of (para-)social role models for Muslim young people. They inspire them to take up new hobbies, encourage them to take part in sport, read or practise their faith, and serve as role models for lifestyle and daily routines. The findings of an exploratory study involving Muslim young people show that it is not so much the influencers’ religious affiliation that is decisive, but rather their perceived authenticity, ethical credibility and ability to connect with the young people’s own interests. Social media thus becomes a space for orientation, knowledge acquisition and identity formation, in which religious, cultural and everyday influences are interwoven.

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Tobias Specker (Sankt Georgen University of Philosophy and Theology)

This lecture is part of the Bavarian Interreligious College (BIK), the lecture series organised by the Bavarian Research Centre for Interreligious Discourse (BaFID) at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg. The theme for the 2026/2027 winter semester is: “Follow Me! Religious Self-Presentation on Social Media”.