"Reliance of University Youth on AI Applications for Religious Knowledge".. A Field Study

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Al-Azhar University- Mass Communication Faculty- Press Department

Abstract

This study aimed to observe, describe, and interpret the nature of university students’ dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) applications as a source of religious knowledge. It explored the extent and motives of this dependence, examined students’ levels of trust and awareness regarding the information obtained from these applications, identified the positive and negative consequences of such reliance, and analyzed the role of demographic variables in shaping patterns of dependence. The study was conducted on a sample of 400 university students from diverse specializations and educational levels, using the survey method and a structured questionnaire.
The findings revealed several key results, including:

General-purpose AI applications (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) dominate usage behavior more than specialized religious applications, highlighting a trust and diffusion gap between Islamic apps and general AI platforms.
The frequency of AI use in religious contexts is relatively consistent among a wide segment of participants, indicating a growing dependence on these applications as a primary source of religious knowledge.
Most students resort to AI applications primarily for quick answers and in an irregular manner, suggesting a selective and situational approach rather than continuous or absolute reliance.
Students demonstrated greater interest in religious, social, and recreational aspects than in political or economic issues, reflecting AI’s emerging role as a tool for self-learning and the pursuit of religious understanding.
Key motives for using AI applications in religious contexts included: ease of access to religious information, provision of simplified answers, the opportunity to ask questions anytime without embarrassment, as well as curiosity and the desire for experimentation.
Participants were aware that AI applications are not always accurate, with many noticing errors or a lack of sources, and acknowledged that complete reliance may result in incorrect or religiously inconsistent information.
Trust levels in these applications were moderate; while students perceived them as convenient alternatives to traditional research, they also recognized potential cognitive and intellectual risks if used without awareness or guidance.
Positive impacts included saving time and effort, supporting the educational process, fostering intercultural dialogue, and enhancing students’ religious awareness.
Conversely, potential negative effects emerged, such as weakened depth of jurisprudential understanding, reduced roles of scholars and religious institutions, and the risk of inaccurate or extreme interpretations.
The influence of AI applications on religious awareness varied across different demographic, educational, and social groups, underscoring the need for targeted policies that account for these differences when designing or employing religious AI tools.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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