Key Takeaways
- Mormonism faces a social media reckoning as ex-Mormon influencers critique the church.
- Online algorithms amplify critical content, exposing active members to controversial history and practices.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is responding with its own social media campaigns and content.
- Leaving the LDS Church is profoundly difficult, yet ex-Mormon content offers community and alternative life visions.
Deep Dive
- Alyssa Grenfell, a 32-year-old, left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2016 and now has over a million followers online.
- Reporter Georgia Wells discovered the #exmo community on TikTok and Instagram Reels where creators share personal stories.
- Grenfell's online appeal is partly due to her use of sacred temple clothing in videos, a practice considered sacrilegious by practicing Mormons but cathartic by some ex-Mormons.
- These creators openly encourage others to leave the church, fostering a sense of community for those questioning their faith.
- The current "Mormon moment" is largely driven by social media, with influencers posting about their lives.
- Reality TV shows like 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' also explore the Mormon lifestyle, gaining significant viewership.
- Church leaders face challenges as discussions about leaving become more visible on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
- Social media algorithms amplify the reach of ex-Mormon content, exposing users to criticisms even if not actively sought.
- Criticisms on social media focus on controversial historical aspects such as polygamy and a 'death oath' ritual.
- Ex-Mormon creators also highlight the Book of Mormon's lack of archaeological evidence and the church's substantial wealth.
- Past teachings, including the 'curse of dark skin' for Lamanites and strict views on sexual sin, are also targeted.
- Social media exposure makes it difficult for some individuals to dismiss criticisms of the church's history and practices.
- The LDS Church asserts critics often present sensationalized and incomplete versions of its beliefs and history.
- To counter ex-Mormon narratives, the church is using its own social media content, with leaders and tens of thousands of missionaries creating pro-church videos.
- This content includes 'day in the life' videos and direct addressing of controversial topics from a faithful perspective.
- Individual members like podcaster David Snell, sponsored by an LDS nonprofit, also promote their faith to balance online information.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is facing a 21st-century reckoning, with leaders concerned about young people leaving the faith faster.
- Younger generations questioning their faith and airing grievances online is contributing to a broader decline in U.S. religious affiliation.
- The LDS Church is experiencing a greater struggle with member retention compared to other Christian denominations, despite growth in regions like Africa.
- More negative than positive online content about the church contributes to these retention issues.