Do class WhatsApp groups undermine perceived teacher authority? Perspectives of female students in religious high schools

This study examines students’ perceptions of teacher authority in WhatsApp groups compared to the traditional classroom setting, with a focus on female students attending religious high schools. The strict authority structures inherent in these settings provide a unique context for the research. Most students reported finding it easier to challenge teacher authority in WhatsApp groups than in the classroom, citing five key reasons. Additionally, we identified six patterns of resistance to teachers’ stipulations within these groups. The discussion highlights the significance of this increased opposition to teachers’ demands and the adoption of new response patterns in WhatsApp groups.