@article{article_1629031, title={Humanity, Religion and Willpower in the Future of Technology: A Critical Approach}, journal={Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi}, volume={12}, pages={104–126}, year={2025}, DOI={10.51702/esoguifd.1629031}, author={Sarı, Hasan}, keywords={din sosyolojisi, teknoloji felsefesi, yapay zekâ, tekno-iktidar, inanç, irade}, abstract={Technological advancements have profoundly influenced individual and societal life, marking a transformative period akin to the agricultural and industrial revolutions. Today, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse, and transhumanism challenge human cognitive and biological boundaries, potentially reshaping social structures and belief systems. Religion, which has historically been central to social life and human meaning-making, now faces new discussions regarding how digitalization will affect religious beliefs and practices. The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of digitalization-driven technologies on the social aspects of religion and to systematically categorize the perspectives of religious individuals’ perspectives on these developments. A review of the existing literature reveals that while numerous studies address the effects of technology on personal belief systems, social structures, and cultural practices, research specifically focusing on how religious communities respond to these technological advancements remains limited. Generally, two dominant perspectives emerge in the literature: the utopian approach, which views technological progress as a beneficial tool for positive transformation, and the dystopian approach, which perceives technology as a fundamental threat to human nature and ethical values. However, this study goes beyond this binary framework to explore a third perspective, which neither wholly rejects nor unconditionally accepts technology but instead advocates for its conscious regulation. This perspective is termed the “willpower” approach, as it seeks to direct technology in alignment with ethical and religious principles. This research seeks to answer the following key question: How do digitalization-driven technologies impact the social dimension of religion, and how can religious individuals’ responses be categorized? To address this question, the study employs a descriptive analysis method, systematically evaluating data obtained through a comprehensive literature review. The findings suggest that religious individuals and groups potentially have three main approaches to technology: (1) The Accepting/Utopian Approach argues that technology can facilitate religious practices and help faith reach broader audiences in the digital realm. Online worship, virtual temples, and digital religious platforms are examples that reinforce this positive outlook on technology. (2) The Rejecting/Dystopian Approach contends that technological advancements serve capitalist interests, undermine human autonomy, and threaten personal authenticity. Those in this group argue that transhumanist projects manipulate human nature through artificial interventions, raising significant ethical concerns. (3) The Willpower Approach advocates for a middle ground, emphasizing the need for ethical and faith-based governance of technology rather than its outright rejection or unconditional acceptance. Religious communities, particularly, are sensitive to ensuring that technological developments do not compromise human dignity, privacy, or family values. In conclusion, the study finds that religious individuals’ responses to technology are diverse, shaped by varying concerns and expectations. The growing power of global corporations and techno-authoritarian structures raises significant concerns among religious groups. However, rejecting technology entirely is not seen as a viable option. Instead, the study highlights the importance of maintaining a balance that preserves human dignity and ethical values while engaging with technological advancements. Future research could explore the deeper interactions between technology and religion, the societal acceptance of AI-driven religious applications, and the evolving role of faith in the digital age.}, number={Din ve Yapay Zeka}, publisher={Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi}, organization={Bu araştırmayı desteklemek için dış fon kullanılmamıştır.}