Religious Studies of the Media

Religious Studies of the Media

Religion and the new media, the religious question of AI bots

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sayed Najmedin Amir-Shahkareami 1
Majid Bazouyar 2
1 Assistant Professor of Animation and Cinema Department, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Animation master student, Department of Animation and Cinema, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jmrs.2024.210086
Abstract
Objective: This research examines the functions of new media equipped with artificial intelligence in the field of religion. The main objective of the study is to understand the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on religious beliefs and practices, as well as its role in shaping and reproducing religious concepts. Additionally, it evaluates the challenges and opportunities that artificial intelligence may create in providing information and answering religious questions.
Methodology of the Research: This research is qualitative and was conducted with an analytical and descriptive approach. Data were collected by posing specific questions to artificial intelligence bots related to internet media. This approach helped researchers to study more deeply the impact of artificial intelligence in responding to religious questions and to examine the potential for changes in this area.
Findings: The findings of the research indicate that the use of artificial intelligence can significantly impact responses to religious questions and the interpretation of religious texts. Given the rapid advancements in this technology, assessing its capabilities and effects as a widely used tool for addressing religious inquiries and teachings appears to be essential.
Discussion and Conclusion: The results indicate that the use of artificial intelligence bots can create challenges related to the quality and manner of user interaction with religious information. These interactions involve how users engage with Chatbots and the impact of these interactions on users' critical thinking and their understanding of religious information. The emergence and expansion of artificial intelligence in the field of religion have raised new questions about its role in reproducing and changing religious beliefs. The findings of this research clarify that artificial intelligence can have a significant impact on shaping religious concepts and practices. Accordingly, various scenarios that may arise from the continued integration of this technology into religious practices and beliefs were examined, highlighting that improving responsiveness and enhancing cognitive depth regarding religious concepts through this technology requires sustained continuity and knowledge enhancement in this area.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence
Religion
Religious Inquiry
Media
Chatbot
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Religious Studies of the Media
Volume 6, Issue 24
Winter 2024
Pages 109-152