Religious Disorientation in the Digital Transformation: An Islamic Review

Abstract

Digital transformation has caused religious disorientation since religious literacy nowadays is accessible openly. This article seeks the shifting orientation of religious understanding due to the intensity of digital transformation using Islam as a measuring tool. This research relies on the qualitative descriptive method using the netnography approach. The results indicate that the religious orientation shifting in society is caused by three main factors: the open accessibility of online religious literacy, the strong urge of people to explore religion, and the widespread distribution of religion-based platforms. Consequently, religious understanding, which should be the focus of religious teachings, has shifted to a more general religious spirit. Thus, the ongoing digital transformation not only provides information but also generates religious knowledge that has the potential to influence one’s religious understanding. Therefore, this study advocates the need to strengthen religious literacy by utilizing technology wisely to align religiosity with essential religious teaching and understanding.

1. Introduction

The presence of technology through several religion-based digital devices is the cause of people’s religious understanding disorientation. The advancement of information technology is characterized by the increasingly intense penetration of new media in various sectors of life such as economy, politics, culture, and religion. This phenomenon further confirms changes in communication patterns from face-to-face to new media communication and from conventional media models to digitalized models [1]. Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) in the 2019-quarter II/2020 period reveals that the number of internet users in Indonesia reached 196.7 million. There was a significant increase of 23.5 million people, or 8.9%, compared to the data in 2018 [2]. The internet users play an essential role in realizing digital transformation [3]. Under these conditions, with its rapid developments, digitalization is inevitable, including in shaping various orientations of religious understanding.

The digital transformation study concerning religion has gained attention from researchers and academics. Several scholars have explored the significance of digital transformation in today’s world. The existing studies indicate three key trends. Firstly, religion is practically understood through various digital tools [4, 5, 6]. Secondly, digitizing people’s lives leads to shifts in religious patterns [6, 7, 8]. Third, digitalization is used as a medium for learning and religious education [9, 10, 11, 12], even digital media as an important competitive tool in the world of education [13]. Despite these trends, not many studies have explored how intensive digital transformation has resulted in the transformation of religion and the religious understanding of communities.

This paper responds to existing studies by focusing on disorientation from religious understanding to religious spirit in the digital space. Thus, this current research proposes three primary objectives to discover: (1) how the orientation of religious understanding in the digital space takes place, (2) how the spirit of religion is realized in the digital space, and (3) how the digitization of religion has implications for shifting religious understanding to religious spirit in the digital space. Those three questions are the main topics discussed sequentially in the discourse of this writing.

The underlying assumption in this paper is that the intensity of religious digitization is an avoidable, where people can quickly obtain religious literacy through various sources in the digital space. The speed of information and religious literacy from physical to virtual space has shaped religious understanding and ideology. In addition, the rise of faith or religion-based platforms offering various religious features is critical in shifting people’s religious understanding. Although it affects religious fervor, it has not entirely coincided with an accurate understanding of religion. Therefore, thorough oversight of the digitalization of religion is necessary to guarantee the responsible use of digital media.

2. Methods

Religious practices in the digital space are the object of this investigation since the shift in societal understanding of religion is occurring due to the ongoing intensity of religious digitalization. This research adopts a qualitative descriptive approach, using data from observational and documentary studies. The study elucidates the reality of societal and religious practices based on online media observations. The method involves scrutinizing social phenomena the community practices in the digital space, specifically focusing on religion [1]. It is based on the method introduced by Kozinets in which data collection through the internet with a netnography approach [14]. The existing data are analyzed descriptively utilizing the concept of digitalization and religious understanding and then displayed narratively.

3. Literature review

3.1 Religious disorientation

Religious orientation is when an individual or a group consciously intends to align themselves with a religious value system. However, an individual’s or group’s use of religion is often disoriented, indicating an individual’s mismatch in understanding religious values. Religion and value systems play an essential role in civilization, and these value differences can lead to social conflict [15]. Religious disorientation can also affect mental health as religious orientation provides a moral compass in social life and spirituality [16]. Therefore, religious disorientation reflects a weakening of faith in the context of spiritual struggles, including doubts about religion.

Altinyelken [17] highlights how learners experience religious and belief disorientation, which can be influenced by various factors such as the attitudes of educators and peers, language proficiency, age, and a lack of critical thinking. Additionally, Cohen and McClymond [18] identify moral injury as a form of disorientation that occurs when individuals or groups violate moral and religious values, leading to emotional experiences for religious believers [19]. Various sources also mention that religious disorientation can be related to conflict, stress, and changes in social and religious life for individuals and groups. Triggering factors may include interactions, changes in understanding, injustices, gaps between assumptions and reality, and experiences of death and illness [20]. These findings suggest that religious disorientation can significantly impact individuals’ faith structures and lives.

3.2 Digital transformation

Digital transformation integrates technology into various aspects of human life, such as social, economy, education, and religion [21]. The goal is to connect the digital and physical worlds to create an interactive experience [22]. It represents a significant change in how society interacts and expands beyond the physical realm to the digital realm [23]. Furthermore, Feliciano-Cestero et al. [24] state that digital transformation is an evolutionary process that affects society’s structure, values, positions, and ecosystems. As a result, digital transformation profoundly impacts the relationships between individuals and groups in everyday life.

Digital transformation aims to provide convenience and high-quality services to the public, with mobile technology playing a crucial role in achieving it. Various forms of media, such as live broadcasts, news articles, videos, and infographics, are shared on digital platforms and social networks [25]. However, implementing digital transformation in organizations requires cultural changes and constant experimentation. In education, universities can leverage digital transformation to provide the best education and contribute to societal development. However, there is a challenge in optimizing both technical and social aspects to create sustainable added value and improve the quality of life [26]. Overall, digital transformation offers the potential for improving efficiency and user experience across various sectors. However, it requires careful consideration of technical and social factors to ensure long-term success [22].

3.3 Islam and technology

The Islamic perspective is a guiding principle for individuals, groups, and society to navigate life. It emphasizes the importance of religious values in shaping thoughts and actions [27]. By integrating material and spiritual aspects, this perspective offers a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena and the dynamics of life [28]. An Islamic perspective provides people with a foundation to make choices and evaluate different aspects of life, offering development opportunities that contribute to prosperity and peace [29]. However, there are limitations to the Islamic perspective to prevent social conflicts [30]. Some key elements, such as knowledge based on Islam and adherence to the core principles of Islam, need to be incorporated to address challenges brought about by changes, such as digital technology.

The use of digital technology in the Islamic sphere has led to a transformation of modern media and the unification of Muslims [31]. Online platforms and communication technology are crucial in disseminating information and promoting Islamic learning [32]. These platforms have eliminated space and time limitations, allowing Muslims to access knowledge about Islam from anywhere in the world. They have also introduced a new style of preaching that covers various aspects of Islam such as aqidah akhlah, fiqh, and Islamic history [33]. The Islamic perspective understands the contextual nature of technology and adapts to the changing times. The perspective allows it to transcend geographical boundaries and contribute to constructing a transnational identity for Muslims [34].

4. Results and discussion

4.1 Disorientation of religious understanding in the digital sphere

The dynamics of religious life can influence values and perspectives on religion. Religious understanding is associated with interpreting religious teachings, actions, and speech within a context [35]. Individuals and groups undergo a learning process to understand and embody these values in social life [36]. However, there is a possibility for a paradigm shift, where old perspectives are replaced with new ones, leading to a transformation in religious understanding [37]. This shift may reshape the perception of religion from solely a doctrine of values to a cultural document shared and embraced within a civilization [38]. This change in understanding can also have consequences, such as individuals inclining toward extreme actions. Ultimately, religious understanding is complex and subject to change, impacting individuals’ interpretation and engagement with religion [39].

In recent studies, it has been observed that there is a shift in the orientation of religious understanding among different groups. Santalia and Galib [40] state that university students who were once open and tolerant toward religion have now adopted a more radical and intolerant religious model. This shift in understanding has led to an escalation of violence in the name of religion. Furthermore, Ilhami [41] also notices a change in the orientation of religious understanding during religious celebrations, where holidays of one religion are now being embraced and celebrated by followers of other religions. Ref. [42] explains how the understanding of hadith in Islam has experienced a paradigm shift, with different approaches used to interpret daily religious messages. Tambunan and Simon [43] highlight the impact of the digital era as religious figures adopt sociological roles using piety to deceive the wider community. As a result of these shifting understandings, religion is no longer seen as something sacred and can easily be undermined [44]. In summary, there is a noticeable shift in the orientation of religious understanding in various contexts, which has implications for tolerance, violence, and the perception of religion itself.

4.2 Religiosity spirit

Ongoing digitalization has changed the way of religion in society. It can be observed from several social media showing a tendency for the religious spirit of the community in the public sphere to increase significantly. Meanwhile, religious understanding is neglected in the life of the nation and state. Currently, in some circles, the spirit of nationalism has begun to weaken because it is triggered by religious fervor [45]. In this case, religious spirituality includes inner strength that gives purpose to physical life. Terminologically, religious spirituality is subjective and varied in interpreting the relationships that exist in life [46].

Religiosity spirit discusses the concept of religious spirituality and its meaning in human life [47]. According to Selvam, religious spirituality can be positive or negative, depending on its significance and role in individuals’ lives. It is closely connected to the inner realm of humans and goes beyond specific beliefs and practices. Instead, it is seen as an activity that explores existential questions and seeks identity, including notions of sacredness and the development of religious rituals [48, 49, 50]. Thus, religious spirituality involves a relationship between human spirituality and the experience and meaning of life. In summary, religious spirituality is a complex and dynamic aspect of human existence that encompasses the search for meaning and identity concerning existential matters and religious practices.

Religious spirituality in a multidimensional context has given individuals the freedom to construct and reproduce religious understanding. It also gives meaning to identity and psychology based on diverse religious and spiritual sources [51]. Wuthnow [52] distinguishes the concept of spirituality into two aspects: dwelling and seeking spirituality. Dwelling spirituality relates to tangible elements of religion such as worship, rituals, clear boundaries, and symbols of religious identity. In comparison, seeking spirituality involves an open search for the possibility of encountering diversity such as new teachings, new experiences, and new ritual practices. Religious spirituality in social life is interconnected and builds strength and power over individuals with representations of their lives. Thus, multidimensional experiences generally affect people’s religious spirituality [53]. If the practice of religion only results from the product of media, then the religion becomes less sacred. This kind of religious practice usually leads to the desacralization of religion [54].

4.3 Digital transformation and the disorientation of religious understanding

The rapid development of technology has led to a renewed interest in online religious literacy. As technology increasingly dominates our lives, social media platforms allow events in the public sphere, including discussions on religion, symbols, and language [55]. Online religion can be divided into two categories, one that allows individuals to freely express themselves and engage with others and one that solely provides religious information without fostering interaction [56]. Helland also draws attention to the desacralization of online religion, where the act of reading or speaking statements and clicking a mouse are seen as performative actions equivalent to authentic religious rituals. While some view religiosity in online spaces as an extension of their religious interactions, others believe that proper religious practice requires dedication in the physical world. Overall, the impact of technology on religious engagement is complex, with both positive and negative implications [56].

The advent of digital space has significantly impacted society, including its role in shaping various religious perspectives. It is particularly evident in countries, such as Indonesia, with its diverse population and rich religious and cultural traditions. The widespread use of digital media, especially during the pandemic, has intensified the dissemination of religious knowledge and understanding [57]. The internet, in particular, has become a dominant force in influencing community behavior and religious practices. As a result, there has been an acceleration in the sharing and socialization of religious beliefs, leading to greater mobility within communities [58]. The accessibility and availability of digital platforms have made it easier for individuals to engage in religious discussions and explore different religious views. This transformation in the religious landscape highlights the changing dynamics and cultural shifts brought about by digital technology.

Religious orientation in the digital space, highlighting three key aspects. First, the ease of learning religion online provides instant understanding without direct guidance from religious authorities. Second, there is a shift toward pragmatism and materialism in religious understanding rather than being grounded in strong religious principles. This shift aligns with Ishomuddin’s [59] perspective on the changing religious landscape. Third, religion is often displayed physically online but fails to incorporate essential religious values. Instead, religion in the digital space tends to be understood textually, which can have counterproductive consequences for religious communities. The textual understanding of religion through social media platforms can lead to extreme and intolerant attitudes, contradicting the teachings of religion itself [60]. It highlights the potential negative implications of a text-based comprehension of religion in the digital era.

5. Conclusion

This paper emphasizes the importance of religious literacy in the digital age. It highlights three key points regarding the impact of digital transformation on religious understanding. Firstly, the current disorientation in religious beliefs is closely linked to the widespread availability of online religious information. The accessibility to religious content has contributed to confusion and lack of clarity. Secondly, the rapid digital transformation has resulted in a shift away from a deep understanding of religion toward a superficial understanding that is easily accessible. Lastly, digitizing religion has led to a change in the orientation of religious understanding, focusing on the practical aspects of religion rather than a comprehensive understanding. In essence, the digital space has altered religious orientation, causing a shift toward a pragmatic display of religious spirit without the need for in-depth religious learning.

Furthermore, this study explores the reality of people’s religious practices in the digital space and compares it to previous studies on the accessibility of religious literacy through digitalization. It also maps the emergence of community problems related to religious understanding in the digital era. The study uses a netnography approach to observe religion in the digital space but acknowledges the limitation of relying solely on observations rather than empirical data from the community. Consequently, further research is needed to examine the phenomenon of religion in the digital era thoroughly. The dynamic changes in people’s religious lives due to advancements in technology, particularly in searching for religious knowledge, call for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges of digitalization. The hope is that with proper knowledge and wisdom, the negative impacts of technology on religious understanding can be minimized.