Digital Platforms and AI for Preserving Indigenous Religious Practices

Thesis Abstract

Indigenous religious practices are vital components of cultural identity and social cohesion, yet increasing globalization, urbanization, and technological change threaten their transmission and preservation, leading to significant risks of cultural erosion. This study investigates the potential of digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to serve as innovative tools for safeguarding and revitalizing indigenous religious knowledge and rituals. The primary aim is to develop an integrated framework that leverages ICT solutions to enhance accessibility, documentation, and transmission of indigenous religious practices, thereby ensuring their sustainability in contemporary contexts. The specific objectives include (1) assessing current digital initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous religious practices; (2) exploring user engagement and acceptance of AI-powered digital platforms among indigenous communities; (3) designing and implementing a prototype of an AI-enabled digital platform tailored to indigenous religious needs; and (4) evaluating the effectiveness of the platform in promoting cultural preservation through qualitative and quantitative measures. Grounded in the Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Cultural Resilience Theory, the research seeks to analyze factors influencing technology adoption and cultural sustainability. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, with a research design encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The qualitative component involves semi-structured interviews with 30 community elders, religious leaders, and cultural practitioners across five indigenous groups, complemented by focus group discussions to gather insights into cultural practices and technological perceptions. The quantitative component involves deploying a survey to 200 community members, selected via stratified random sampling, to measure attitudes towards digital preservation efforts. Data collection instruments include interview guides, questionnaires, and usability testing protocols for the prototype. Validity and reliability will be established through pilot testing, member checking, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients above 0.8. Data analysis will utilize thematic analysis for qualitative data, employing NVivo software to identify recurring themes related to cultural nuances and technological acceptance. Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS, with regression analysis to determine predictors of platform adoption, and paired t-tests to evaluate changes in knowledge and engagement pre- and post-platform interaction. The prototype’s usability and cultural relevance will be assessed through heuristic evaluation and feedback from community participants. Expected findings suggest that culturally tailored AI-powered digital platforms can significantly enhance the documentation, dissemination, and intergenerational transfer of indigenous religious practices. It is anticipated that factors such as perceived usefulness, community trust, and technological self-efficacy will positively influence adoption rates, while identified barriers include digital literacy gaps and concerns over cultural misrepresentation. The study is expected to demonstrate that integrating AI with culturally sensitive design principles fosters greater engagement and revitalization of indigenous spiritual traditions. This research contributes to the scholarly understanding of ICT-enabled cultural preservation, offering a novel framework for implementing AI-driven solutions in indigenous contexts. It fills existing literature gaps regarding community-centered digital interventions and provides empirical evidence of technology’s role in cultural resilience. Moreover, the developed prototype offers practical guidance for policymakers, cultural institutions, and technologists seeking sustainable solutions to indigenous cultural heritage loss. The main conclusion emphasizes that digital platforms and AI, if thoughtfully designed and community-supported, can serve as powerful tools for preserving indigenous religious practices amidst modern challenges. Recommendations include scaling the platform across various indigenous groups, providing digital literacy training, and establishing collaborative governance models that incorporate community voices. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of digital preservation initiatives and expand to other intangible cultural heritage domains, ensuring a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding cultural diversity through innovative technologies.