Growing Faith in the Digital Age: A Study on How Al-Based Spiritual Platforms Affect Religious Maturity in Youth

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of AI-based spiritual engagement on religious maturity by employing a small-scale experimental design. A total of 40 participants aged 18–30 were divided equally into two groups: Group A comprised regular users of AI-driven spiritual tools (e.g., meditation apps, spiritual chatbots, and virtual religious services), while Group B consisted of individuals with no significant exposure to such technologies. Religious maturity was assessed using a condensed version of the Religious Maturity Scale (RMS), evaluating dimensions like moral reasoning, symbolic understanding, and openness to faith development. The study applied an independent samples t-test to compare the mean scores between the two groups. Initial findings suggest noticeable variation in symbolic interpretation and openness scores among AI users, indicating potential cognitive stimulation through digital spiritual practices. However, moral reasoning showed minimal group differences, highlighting that certain dimensions of maturity may develop independently of technological mediation.