Exploring the Relationship Between Artificial Intelligence and Religion on YouTube Narratives

The relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and religion has emerged as a significant area of research that has developed rapidly in recent years. In particular, generative AI (GenAI) technologies offer new perspectives on the creation and discussion of religious content while also raising novel questions and challenges at the intersection of religion and digital technology. This study examines how the relationship between AI and religion is reflected in the narratives of religious communities and how these narratives are received by audiences. To this end, it analyzes a YouTube video created using AI by Sözler Köşkü, one of Türkiye’s leading religious digital creatives (RDCs). This study employs qualitative case study design and collects data through document analysis. Both the video and audience comments were examined using descriptive analysis. The findings shed light on various dimensions of the AI–religion relationship and identify the thematic focal points of the religious narrative. In a representative dialogue with ChatGPT, AI is anthropomorphized and positioned as an interlocutor in matters of faith, serving to rationalize and scientize the religious arguments presented. The narrative was reinforced with humor and tailored to engage the audiences. Audience comments suggest that religious digital content created with the aid of GenAI can be interpreted through a multivocal and layered framework. This study reveals that AI has transformed into a discourse-forming and interactive-organizing actor in the creation of religious digital content.