#TradCath: Why Gen Z rebellion means converting to Catholicism

Samantha Smith’s return to the faith of her childhood was, in part, encouraged by the traditional Catholic influencers she found online. She explores why young people are drawn to them

To most, the idea of ‘traditional’ Catholicism evokes images of ornate cathedrals, Latin Mass and rigid orthodoxy. But for Generation Z, the dawn of social media has heralded a new age of Christian influencers who preach to and convert their followers through the white light of a phone screen instead.

The presence of digital technology is a reality of modern life. The constant stream of algorithmised content being spoon-fed to us through Instagram, Facebook and TikTok precipitates the existence of online subcultures catering to every niche interest imaginable.

Yet, as a Gen Z Catholic myself, I can attest to the unique popularity and dominance of the #TradCath trend.