Journal of Religion and the Contemporary World

Journal of Religion and the Contemporary World

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Redefining Social Structures and Religious Spirituality

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Assistant Professor, University of Qur'anic Studies and Sciences, Qom, Iran.
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI), with its capabilities for processing big data and automated decision-making, has redefined social structures and religious spirituality. This research examines the effects of this technology on communication patterns, job roles, and religious institutions, and analyzes challenges such as social isolation, class inequality, and the mechanization of religious experience. The central issue is the duality of opportunities and threats of AI in maintaining social cohesion and spiritual authenticity. The research method is a qualitative approach based on content analysis of scientific and religious texts using sociological and theological theories. The findings show that AI, by replacing human interactions with automated systems, has weakened social bonds and increased the risk of social isolation. The automation of traditional jobs has led to unemployment of low-skilled groups and a deepening of the class divide. In the religious sphere, automated religious services have challenged the concepts of free will and moral responsibility and have made the spiritual experience data-driven. The decline in the authority of religious institutions is also a consequence of these developments. However, AI can strengthen social and religious cohesion by optimizing resource allocation and promoting communication based on moral values. This research emphasizes the necessity of ethical management of AI to integrate human and religious values in order to establish a balance between technological advancement and the preservation.
Keywords

Subjects


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