Perceptions of Young People about the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Spiritual and Moral Development

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Perceptions of Young People about the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Spiritual and Moral Development
Language: English
Authors: Ninoslav Kacaric (ORCID 0000-0001-8950-9070), Marjana Pardanjac (ORCID 0000-0002-1545-1707), Snežana Jokic (ORCID 0000-0002-4756-9435)
Source: Research in Pedagogy. 2025 15(2):536-548.
Availability: Preschool Teacher Training College "Mihailo Palov" and Serbian Academy of Education in Belgrade. Omladinski Trg 1, Vrsac, 26300 Serbia. Tel: +381-832517; Fax: +381-832517; Web site: http://research.rs
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Students, Student Attitudes, Artificial Intelligence, Spiritual Development, Moral Development, Foreign Countries, Computer Use, Technological Literacy, Values, Religion, Family Influence, Cultural Influences
Geographic Terms: Serbia
ISSN: 2217-7337
2406-2006
Abstract: The aim of this exploratory quantitative study was to examine young people's perceptions of the role of artificial intelligence in spiritual and moral development. The research included 121 students from the Technical Faculty "Mihajlo Pupin" in Zrenjanin and The Serbian Orthodox Church Academy for Arts and Conservation in Belgrade, thus the study relied on a convenience sample. The study analyzed how students assess the role of AI in their spiritual and moral development. Data were collected through an online Likert-type questionnaire encompassing eight domains: AI use and perception, digital literacy, emotional attitudes toward AI, spirituality, values, empathic concern, and moral attitudes. The instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's [alpha] = 0.950). Descriptive, correlational, and regression methods and techniques, as well as exploratory factor analysis, were used in the analysis. The results indicate that respondents perceive AI as only slightly to moderately stimulating for their spiritual and moral development. It may be concluded that AI plays a limited and secondary role in the spiritual and moral development of young people, while this process is more strongly shaped by religious practice, family influence, and traditional sources of spirituality. Limitations relate to the sample size and structure, as well as the use of self-report measures, while future research may include broader samples and combined methodological approaches.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1498174
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The aim of this exploratory quantitative study was to examine young people's perceptions of the role of artificial intelligence in spiritual and moral development. The research included 121 students from the Technical Faculty "Mihajlo Pupin" in Zrenjanin and The Serbian Orthodox Church Academy for Arts and Conservation in Belgrade, thus the study relied on a convenience sample. The study analyzed how students assess the role of AI in their spiritual and moral development. Data were collected through an online Likert-type questionnaire encompassing eight domains: AI use and perception, digital literacy, emotional attitudes toward AI, spirituality, values, empathic concern, and moral attitudes. The instrument demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach's [alpha] = 0.950). Descriptive, correlational, and regression methods and techniques, as well as exploratory factor analysis, were used in the analysis. The results indicate that respondents perceive AI as only slightly to moderately stimulating for their spiritual and moral development. It may be concluded that AI plays a limited and secondary role in the spiritual and moral development of young people, while this process is more strongly shaped by religious practice, family influence, and traditional sources of spirituality. Limitations relate to the sample size and structure, as well as the use of self-report measures, while future research may include broader samples and combined methodological approaches.
ISSN:2217-7337
2406-2006