Attending religious services in person is the preference among US adults, but a quarter of Americans still enjoy regularly watching online services following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pew Research Center surveyed 11,377 adults in the USA between November 16-27, 2022. The key driver for the research was examining how Americans use technology in spirituality.

The survey was done in an interim period when the societal effects of the Covid pandemic were less but before an official end to the public health emergency was proclaimed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of the 76 percent who prefer to attend religious services in person, respondents said they were extremely or very satisfied with sermons (74 percent) and music (69 percent). Some 65 percent attending in person also felt a personal connection with other attendees at religious services - compared to the 28 percent of online viewers.

Some 27 percent of Americans are still watching religious services online. That includes 10 percent who access religious services online only and never in person. Two-thirds of those watching religious services online said they were either 'extremely satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with the experience.

"When asked why they watch religious services online or on TV, many regular viewers cite multiple reasons. But as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, convenience is the most-commonly selected option - not fear of catching or spreading any illness," the report said.

The research also showed that 30 percent search for info about religion online, and 21 percent use apps or websites to read scriptures. About 15 percent listen to podcasts focused on religion, and 14 percent utilize websites or apps to help them to pray.

Another statistic found that, at the time of the survey, most US adults (57 percent) said they had not attended a religious service in the past month, either personally or online.

Source