Religious appropriation: Artificial Intelligence-driven political campaign algorithm trap
Abstract
The manipulation of political campaign algorithms based on religious elements controlled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to the systematic appropriation of religion. However, this phenomenon remains underexplored in scholarly discussions. In response to these gaps, this study adopts a qualitative descriptive approach using a case study method. Data were collected through intensive analysis of online news content published between May 30 and June 21, 2025, using the keyword “Religion and political campaign algorithms in Indonesia 2024” via the Google search engine. The findings of this study reveal three key contexts regarding the manipulation of political campaign algorithms rooted in religious elements. First, religion-themed memes were frequently disseminated to undermine the image of political opponents. Second, bot accounts were commonly deployed to generate religious narratives on a massive scale. Third, public resistance emerged, indicating an epistemological tension surrounding the manipulation of religious content in political campaigns. The significance of this study lies in its exploration of the theological implications of manipulative AI use within the landscape of digital political communication.
