The Role of Social Media (YouTube) As A Means of Islamic Religious Education for Madrasah Tsanawiyah Students

Abstract

The development of information technology has brought significant changes in various aspects of life, including education. One of the popular social media used in the learning process is YouTube. This research explores the role of YouTube as a tool for Islamic religious education for Madrasah Tsanawiyah students. Through a literature study, this article examines the potential of YouTube to increase students' understanding and interest in Islamic Religious Education (PAI) subjects. YouTube offers interactive and dynamic audiovisual content, which can visualize abstract concepts in Islam, such as women's fiqh and Islamic history. The platform also allows students to learn independently, access various scholars' views and valid sources' views, and interact directly through commenting and discussion features. However, challenges such as selecting appropriate content and the risk of exposure to negative content also need to be considered. With proper guidance and supervision, YouTube can be integrated into the Islamic Religious Education curriculum to create a more engaging and relevant learning experience. This article is expected to provide insights for educators in using digital technology to improve the quality of Islamic Religious Education in Indonesia