Exploring Digital Technology Adoption among Brazilian Evangelicals: A Survey and Research Agenda

Abstract

The influence of faith on users’ adoption and use of digital technologies is a relevant aspect explored in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). In the Brazilian context, a religious segment that has experienced significant growth in recent years is the evangelical community. Understanding how evangelical members have adopted and utilized digital technologies, including their experiences during religious practices such as evangelical services, is of fundamental importance. In this work, we present an exploratory study conducted in Brazil, aiming to characterize the use of digital technologies among evangelicals. We conducted a survey through a questionnaire from 107 participants from all regions of Brazil. The results revealed that digital technologies are crucial in engaging religious services and facilitating Bible reading. However, they also highlighted challenges related to spiritual experiences arising from using these technologies. Furthermore, the research identified a series of questions and promising areas for future investigations in the field of HCI and its intersection with religion. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex interaction between technology and faith and enriches discussions about the use of digital technologies in the evangelical religious context. Additionally, by presenting a detailed research agenda, we identify topics deserving deeper investigation, such as technology-mediated spiritual experiences and the cultural implications of technological adoption in religious settings. The combination of these results and the proposed research agenda provides valuable insights for researchers, HCI professionals, and members of religious communities interested in comprehending and enhancing the intersection between technology and faith.