Nordicom Review

Since the coming of the Internet scholars have been discussing its implications for the futureof religion. With its high levels of Internet use and low levels of religious practice Swedenrepresents an interesting case for studying these issues. This article presents findings fromthe first online survey of Swedish teenager’s use of the Internet for religious purposes,conducted at one of the largest social networking sites LunarStorm. The results show thatmore young people seem to come into contact with religion via the Internet than throughlocal religious communities. However, the findings also challenge several early expectationsabout the Internet as a new arena for religion in contemporary society. Thus the article initiatesa critical discussion of what conclusions may be drawn from these results, and wherefuture research on young people, religion and the Internet should be directed. Published Since the coming of the Internet scholars have been discussing its implications for the futureof religion. With its high levels of Internet use and low levels of religious practice Swedenrepresents an interesting case for studying these issues. This article presents findings fromthe first online survey of Swedish teenager’s use of the Internet for religious purposes,conducted at one of the largest social networking sites LunarStorm. The results show thatmore young people seem to come into contact with religion via the Internet than throughlocal religious communities. However, the findings also challenge several early expectationsabout the Internet as a new arena for religion in contemporary society. Thus the article initiatesa critical discussion of what conclusions may be drawn from these results, and wherefuture research on young people, religion and the Internet should be directed. Published