THE IMPACT OF SMART INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION (SICTA) ON ISLAMIC CULTURAL CONVERGENCE IN SRI LANKAN SOCIETY

Abstract

The rapid adoption of Smart Information and Communication Technology (SICTA) is transforming various aspects of society globally, including Sri Lanka. This study explores the impact of SICTA on Islamic cultural convergence within Sri Lankan society. Islamic cultural convergence refers to the process through which different cultures become more alike because of shared technologies and media. Despite the widespread use of SICTA, there is limited research on its effects on Islamic cultural identities and practices in Sri Lanka, which creates a critical research gap. The purpose of this study is to investigate how SICTA influences Islamic cultural convergence in Sri Lankan society by examining the relationships between smart ICT infrastructure, smart ICT access, smart ICT usage, and smart ICT skills and their impact on Islamic cultural convergence. The choice of these four variables was deliberate, based on their relevance in assessing the multidimensional effects of SICTA. This study employed a quantitative research methodology utilizing a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 384 smart device users from an Islamic community in three remote villages in Anuradhapura, ensuring homogeneity among respondents. The major findings of the regression and correlation analyses indicate that all four independent variables positively influence Islamic cultural convergence. However, smart ICT usage and skills showed a stronger and more significant positive relationship with Islamic cultural convergence compared to smart ICT infrastructure and access. The correlation analysis revealed significant values for smart ICT usage and skills, underscoring their critical role in driving Islamic cultural convergence. This study has significant implications for policymakers and educators, emphasizing the need to enhance smart ICT skills and promote meaningful smart ICT use to foster cultural integration while maintaining diversity.