A Religious Experience on Zoom? Most Americans Prefer In-Person Services
A hybrid approach to attending religious services has taken hold in the US, with 17% of adults choosing to attend services both online and in person, according to a new study by the Pew Research Center.
The survey polled 11,377 randomly selected US adults in November 2022. The majority of respondents do not attend services (57%). Of those who do, 16% say they only attend in-person services, 10% only online or on TV, and 17% some combination of both.
But within the 17% employing a hybrid approach, most prefer in-person (13%). Between those who only go in-person, and the fact that the hybrid group prefers in-person, that means most people still believe showing up in the flesh is still the ideal experience.
The biggest reason survey respondents say they prefer in-person services is the sense of community and connection with others, at 52%. That's more than three times the second biggest reason, having a more personal and personable experience (14%), though both seem related.
"The responses show that Americans who prefer in-person services value the sense of connection, fellowship, and community those services provide," Pew says.
“Watching online is a great option when you are unable to attend – but joining together with other believers is how we truly fellowship. You cannot get that from watching from afar,” one respondent says. Another echoes the sentiment: “In-person interaction gives me an opportunity to ask questions with the visiting scholar, [and] meet community members, and kids have better interaction with their peers.”
Others cite the practical barriers to worshipping online: 8% say certain aspects cannot be fully replicated online. "As a Catholic, you cannot receive communion at home," one respondent says.
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