Artificial intelligence and socioeconomic forces: transforming the landscape of religion

Abstract

This research examines the influences of artificial intelligence and socioeconomic factors on religious freedom across 20 countries from 2000 to 2022. Employing a detailed model that integrates both specific effects related to individual countries and annual changes, our study offers an extensive empirical analysis of how artificial intelligence relates to religious freedom. The results indicate a notable negative impact of artificial intelligence on religious freedom. Furthermore, the study sheds light on key factors that affect religious freedom, uncovering a positive correlation with elements such as economic growth, political stability, and education levels. However, it was also observed that increased digitalization correlates negatively with religious freedom. These conclusions are reinforced by findings from the system-generalized method of moment estimation, which strongly support our initial results. Consequently, this study establishes that the relationship between artificial intelligence and religious freedom is intricate and shaped by a variety of socioeconomic factors. Our findings emphasize the necessity for thoughtful consideration of the broader societal impacts of artificial intelligence, especially regarding essential human rights like religious freedom.