Luo Guoqing: The Logic, Features, and Paths of Intelligent Algorithms Empowering the Publicity of Marxist Atheism
Since the 18th Party Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached great importance to the research, dissemination, and education of Marxist atheism. In January 2018, the "Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Implementing the Rural Revitalization Strategy" explicitly proposed to "strengthen the dissemination and education of atheism." In July 2021, the "Opinions on Strengthening and Improving Ideological and Political Work in the New Era" emphasized once again the need to "strengthen education in Marxist materialism and atheism." In October 2022, the report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC set forth the political requirement of "not believing in fallacies, not fearing ghosts, and not succumbing to pressure" [1]. This fully demonstrates the Party's clear stance on adhering to and strengthening the dissemination and education of Marxist atheism. At the same time, with the leapfrog development of network information technology, intelligent algorithm technology—as an intelligent technical system dominating the input, processing, and distribution of internet information—is restructuring the order of information communication with a new technical framework and operational logic. It has become an emerging power that shapes individual cognitive schemas, influences ideological construction, and transforms social power structures. The technical application and functional manifestation of intelligent algorithms are no longer limited to being the underlying technology for information dissemination in cyberspace; rather, they "are substantially exercising an ideological function and have become an important variable affecting the construction of socialist ideology." Based on this, in the exploration of strengthening and improving the dissemination and education of Marxist atheism, scientifically understanding and systematically reflecting on the internal logic, distinct characteristics, and practical paths of intelligent algorithms empowering Marxist atheism dissemination is of great strategic significance and practical value for opening a new chapter in Marxist atheism dissemination in the New Era and consolidating the common ideological foundation for the united struggle of the whole Party and society.
I. The Internal Logic of Intelligent Algorithms Empowering the Dissemination of Marxist Atheism
Currently, "intelligent algorithms, with their unique advantages of digitalization, intelligence, and precision, help enhance the effectiveness of mainstream ideological supply, acquisition, and governance, becoming a 'booster' for mainstream ideological construction." The organic integration of Marxist atheism dissemination with intelligent algorithms is an inevitable result of such dissemination adapting to the laws of information communication under the influence of new technical paradigms in the field of information flow. It is a realistic response to the grave challenges posed by the prominent spread of religion online and the weak voice of Marxist atheism education. It is also an objective choice to leverage the technical advantages of intelligent algorithms to promote innovation in Marxist atheism dissemination.
(1) The Theoretical Inevitability of Integrating Marxist Atheism Dissemination with Intelligent Algorithms
Fundamentally, the combination of Marxist atheism dissemination and intelligent algorithms fully embodies the theoretical logic of Marxist atheism dissemination: improving propaganda work and consolidating its dominant position by grasping the laws of information communication influenced by algorithm technology. As China’s mainstream ideology, the presentation of Marxist atheism’s discourse and its communication models are endogenous to actual society and change alongside social development trends. In the era of intelligent information, algorithm technology occupies and allocates information resources, controls and disciplines information content, and shapes and influences social consciousness through its new technical framework and operational logic. This dictates that intelligent algorithms "bear an ideological function and are becoming a highly concealed form of ideology." Therefore, the combination of the two is, in reality, an inevitable trend for Marxist atheism dissemination to actively adapt to the mainstream communication paradigm of the intelligent information age and promote its own development. It is also a process of mutual construction: Marxist atheism communication utilizes algorithm technology to consolidate its dominant position in a more intelligent, efficient, and precise manner, while algorithm technology, under the guidance of the broad principles of Marxist atheism, shapes social consciousness in a more scientific, standardized, and "pro-social" [2] way.
On one hand, intelligent algorithms exercise an ideological function to strengthen the communication effect of atheism, providing a solid technical guarantee for defending the dominant position of Marxist atheism. By leveraging their powerful functions in shaping individual cognition and influencing social consciousness, intelligent algorithms innovate the production, supply, and dissemination of Marxist atheism content, creating entirely new communication scenarios and patterns for it. In this sense, Marxist atheism dissemination uses intelligent algorithms as a medium of power to firmly grasp the initiative in propaganda work, disseminating atheistic thought clearly and proactively, thereby continuously strengthening the influence of Marxist atheism dissemination.
On the other hand, under the guidance of the broad principles of Marxist atheism, the algorithmic space qualitatively assesses the stance, values, and ideological leanings of the data it holds, reflecting Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods. Behind algorithms lie complex social relations involving capital, power, and values. In particular, the intervention of internet religion, religious extremism, and overseas religious penetration injects heterogeneous ideologies into the algorithmic information pool, disrupting and countering the construction of China's mainstream ideology. Regarding this, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in his speech at the 12th collective study session of the Political Bureau of the 19th CPC Central Committee that we must "harness 'algorithms' with mainstream values and comprehensively improve the ability to guide public opinion." This requires integrating Marxist atheism into intelligent algorithms to endow them with value rationality and highlight an atheistic orientation, ensuring that the mainstream ideology of Marxist atheism occupies online positions and guides online public opinion, thereby effectively resisting the penetration of heterogeneous ideologies.
(2) The Practical Necessity of Integrating Marxist Atheism Dissemination with Intelligent Algorithms
From the perspective of technology's "double-edged sword" effect, while intelligent algorithms provide convenience for disseminating Marxist atheism, scientific knowledge, and the scientific spirit, they are also utilized by online religious groups, cult organizations, and hostile overseas forces. These actors use algorithms as tools to spread theistic trends, feudal superstitions, religious penetration, and subversive activities. Under the influence of the negative effects of intelligent algorithms, Marxist atheism faces the risk of its dominance, influence, and cohesive power being weakened.
The integration of Marxist atheism dissemination with intelligent algorithms is necessary to consolidate the guiding position of Marxism in the ideological sphere. With the empowerment of algorithms across various media platforms, the "Matthew Effect" [3] of information communication has become apparent: "hot information" with high traffic and entertainment value receives increasing heat, while "cold information" with public and value-oriented significance receives less attention. This causes the survival space for "positive energy" content to be continuously squeezed. Online religious dissemination exploits this characteristic by injecting a large volume of popular theistic works—such as those concerning horoscopes, divination, physiognomy, and fortune-telling—into the algorithmic information pool to entice users to browse, follow, and accept various theistic trends. Furthermore, under the repeated "push" of intelligent algorithms, these theistic trends form "information cocoons" [4], gradually eroding listeners' rational thinking and capacity for religious critique, dissolving the dominant power of Marxist atheism, and inducing users to develop religious worldviews and beliefs. This cocoon effect may increase the probability of group polarization, making it easy for users to be exploited by cults or hostile overseas forces in an irrational state, becoming "accomplices" in illegal activities. Marxist atheism is a theoretical system that scientifically reveals the objective laws of the emergence, development, and eventual disappearance of religion; it is a scientific methodology for the masses to objectively understand the world and correctly treat religion, and a sharp weapon for criticizing theistic thought and resisting ideological penetration. Objectively, Marxist atheism must be integrated into intelligent algorithms to increase the supply and distribution of Marxist atheism and scientific knowledge from the source of the information pool, allowing it to seize momentum and occupy positions in the algorithmic field. Simultaneously, the social efficacy of Marxist atheism dissemination must be fully exerted to refute and clarify various theistic trends, guiding users to establish rational modes of thinking and thereby continuously consolidating the guiding position of Marxism in the ideological sphere.
The integration of Marxist atheism dissemination with intelligent algorithms is a realistic requirement for maintaining China’s network ideological security. Currently, "online religious dissemination exploits technical characteristics such as the addictive nature of information consumption inherent in algorithmic recommendations, the homogeneity of the information environment, and the profit-seeking nature of algorithmic pushes to induce audiences to gradually form superstitious thinking and religious beliefs until they become a religious 'interest community.'" Under the influence of this effect, intelligent algorithms are susceptible to "invasion" by cult organizations, religious extremism, and overseas religious penetration. These "intruders" inject deceptive and inflammatory fallacies into the algorithmic content pool through forms such as online religious rituals, online proselytizing, and online divination, which are then pushed by algorithms to religious circles to achieve the goals of deluding followers, manipulating emotions, and manufacturing religious conflict. However, at present, the "strength of atheism research, dissemination, and education in China is still relatively thin, and its voice is quite weak" [5]. Combining Marxist atheism dissemination with intelligent algorithms to carry out "algorithmized" communication helps absorb the powerful propaganda energy of various algorithmic media platforms, forming an all-encompassing communication matrix for Marxist atheism. Within this matrix, official mainstream media, commercial platforms, and self-media can complement each other’s strengths and speak in unison to actively promote atheistic thought and the scientific spirit. This comprehensively guides netizens to consciously follow, repost, and comment on scientific atheism information, enhancing their ability to resist religious spiritual temptations and ideological penetration, thereby fortifying the defense line of China's network ideological security and resisting the "penetration" and "fragmentation" efforts of overseas religious forces.
(3) The Technical Feasibility of Integrating Marxist Atheism Dissemination with Intelligent Algorithms
The combination of Marxist atheism dissemination and intelligent algorithms is built upon the internal mechanism of personalized matching between information supply and user demand. From a technical standpoint, this can be divided into three steps: first, the algorithm digitizes and "tags" the content of Marxist atheism information; second, the algorithm creates "digital portraits" and user tags based on user data, which involves data mining, integration, and tag classification of users and their needs; third, it achieves a personalized match between information tags and user tags—that is, the intelligent algorithm selects content of interest based on the user portrait and precisely pushes atheistic content that aligns with their preferences.
Regarding technical advantages, two levels—the construction of "pseudo-environments" and "smart fields"—can assist Marxist atheism dissemination. On one hand, the technical characteristics of intelligent algorithms—such as sensory-based, immersive, and circle-based [6] pushes—can be utilized perversely to create a "pseudo-environment" [7] for Marxist atheism dissemination. A "pseudo-environment" shaped by intelligent algorithms can form an "isothermal layer" [8] of Marxist atheism information, creating a sensory and immersive experience for the audience. This allows the audience to firmly establish a scientific worldview, outlook on life, and values through a chain reaction of sensory stimulation, emotional resonance, and ideological identification. For example, with the emergence and industrialization of convergent media products like AR, VR, and human-computer interaction, intelligent information technology centered on algorithms already possesses powerful functions for high-level socializing, deep immersion, and the coexistence of virtual and real spaces. For Marxist atheism dissemination, these functions can be used to create a "pseudo-environment" integrating sight, hearing, touch, and emotion, enabling the audience to strengthen their emotional, ideological, and practical identification with Marxist atheism through immersive experiences.
On the other hand, the advantages of intelligent algorithms in data analysis, demand forecasting, and information feedback can be leveraged to build a "smart field" for Marxist atheism dissemination. Relying on supercomputing power and algorithmic models, intelligent algorithms integrate, decode, mine, and track big data to precisely target content delivery, track dynamics in real-time, and intelligently predict potential problems. Using these advantages, a "smart field" for Marxist atheism dissemination can be built. First, by using algorithms to integrate and decode audience data to understand their needs and push personalized, adapted atheistic content. Second, by using real-time computing engines to mine and track the ideological trends of the audience, capture key information, and identify or assess potential issues the audience may have regarding atheism, theism, or religion. Third, by sorting and summarizing the audience's interests and potential problems, the "commanding heights" of Marxist atheism dissemination can be identified to carry out reasoned, forceful, and effective education. This enhances the value-guiding power of scientific atheism and prevents the emergence of risks such as the erosion of theistic thought and overseas religious penetration.
II. Distinct Characteristics of Intelligent Algorithms Empowering the Dissemination of Marxist Atheism
The widespread application of algorithmic technology in the production, matching, distribution, and feedback of information has made it a new kinetic energy for controlling social information distribution and restructuring the landscape of information dissemination. Under the influence of this new kinetic energy, a qualitative transformation has been catalyzed in Marxist atheist propaganda, highlighting new characteristics and boosting the integration of Marxist atheist propaganda into the daily lives of the masses.
(1) Pluralization of Subjects: From One-Way Output to Multi-Party Interaction
In the brand-new communication field constructed by algorithms, the model of Marxist atheist propaganda has transformed from traditional vertical, one-way output to interactive, pluralistic dissemination. Horizontally, Marxist atheist propaganda exhibits decentralized characteristics of lateral diffusion. Vertically, Marxist atheist propaganda and education demonstrate a communication landscape of multi-party participation and open interaction.
Mobile network technology has infused Marxist atheist propaganda with the power of intelligent algorithms, breaking the logic of one-way output and vertical control, and placing greater emphasis on the participation and interaction of plural subjects during the communication process. On one hand, the algorithmic dissemination of Marxist atheism is characterized by a pluralization of subjects. For instance, different subjects from their respective fields integrate the basic viewpoints, values, and modes of thinking of Marxist atheism into the rich media platforms within the algorithmic field; through these platforms, they then covertly and efficiently integrate these elements into the life practices of the masses, thereby broadening the space and radiation of Marxist atheist dissemination and enhancing its influence. On the other hand, in the interactive communication field constructed by intelligent algorithms, Marxist atheist propaganda can guide the masses to coagulate ideological consensus, strengthen Marxist faith, and establish a scientific worldview [9] through the sharing of viewpoints, mutual exchange, and internalizing ideas in a more flexible, open, and multi-directional manner. In the traditional power structure of Marxist atheist information dissemination, subjects such as newspapers, books, mainstream media, and schools controlled information resources and communication power; atheist information relied mainly on passive, one-way linear dissemination according to the needs of the subjects. The emergence of algorithmic technology has changed this communication structure and given rise to new information drivers. The emergence of media platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, Douyin [10], and Toutiao has opened up new propaganda fronts, expanding the radiation and influence of Marxist atheism. Taking the Sina Weibo platform as an example, the official account of the China Anti-Cult Network, "China Anti-Cult" (Zhongguo Fan Xie Jiao), has held its ground in resisting cults, advocating science, breaking down superstitions, and popularizing Marxist atheism. The "Big V" [11] blogger "@KepuJunXueShuXueshu," who has over 13 million followers, has achieved positive results in popularizing scientific knowledge, opposing feudal superstitions, and promoting the scientific spirit. The Weibo user "@Xuefei Suibi" has spoken out actively for atheism through serialized works like A History of Chinese Atheism, Lecture Notes on Marxist Religious Studies, and Principles of Scientific Atheism under the "Scientific Atheism Forum" hashtag, as well as topics on the "separation of church and state," clarifying blurred understandings in religious work. The "interactive reposting and coordinated efforts" of official blogs and "Big Vs" have "formed an atheist propaganda matrix of a certain scale, powerfully promoting the popularization of scientific atheism."
(2) Personalization of Content: From "Flood Irrigation" to "Precision Drip Irrigation"
Unlike previous information production and dissemination models that were "centered on manual editing" and "people seeking information," intelligent algorithms are changing the traditional model through an operational mode of "personalized matching between information production and user needs." Under the effect of intelligent algorithms, the personalized production and precision pushing of information content have become prominent features of information production and dissemination in the era of intelligent information.
First is the personalization of Marxist atheist content production. Algorithmic technology has changed the previous content creation model focused on manual editing to one "centered on user needs," aiming to customize "tailor-made" information content for users. In the field of intelligent algorithms, the personalization of Marxist atheist content production aims to satisfy both holistic and individual needs. Holistic needs refer to the promotion of Marxist atheist propaganda directed at the entire society. On various algorithmic media platforms, it is necessary to strengthen the propaganda of dialectical materialism, historical materialism, atheism, and the Party's religious theories and policies, as well as to popularize scientific knowledge and promote the scientific spirit among the public, focusing on cultivating healthy and civilized social customs and shaping a positive spiritual outlook. Individual needs are mainly manifested in propaganda content that aligns with the thinking characteristics and cognitive needs of the audience. For audiences in different "circles" (based on age, occupation, or hobbies), "different focuses and requirements for atheist propaganda and education should be determined" [19], especially for Party members, cadres, and young students, where there are clear orientations and goals reflecting deep-level value care. To this end, the algorithmic dissemination of Marxist atheism must pay more attention to the personalization of content production, balancing holistic and individual needs, and producing atheist information content with depth, warmth, and resonance, truly ensuring that the audience can understand and implement it.
Second is the precision of Marxist atheist content pushing. Intelligent algorithms have optimized the traditional "people seeking information" model into a new "information seeking people" model. Relying on big data deep learning and high-performance computing systems, intelligent algorithms calculate the content needs of users by collecting, organizing, and processing user-related data, and then precisely push Marxist atheist information to users, thereby achieving a precise match between Marxist atheist information content and audience needs. At the same time, by virtue of the advantages of intelligent algorithmic technology in data mining, analysis, and feedback, Marxist atheist propaganda and education workers can obtain audience evaluations and feedback, master their ideological state, and grasp social public opinion dynamics by analyzing behavioral data such as likes, comments, and bookmarks. Furthermore, they can optimize and promote the atheist information that audiences enjoy and respect based on feedback results, while shielding or deleting harmful information that generates negative evaluations, thereby maximizing propaganda effectiveness. Taking the "Science and Atheism" (Kexue yu Wushenlun) WeChat official account as an example: first, it conducts targeted atheist propaganda by pushing articles from the Science and Atheism journal; second, taking advantage of the "CASS Excellent Articles for Marxist Theory Propaganda" event, it periodically pushes selected outstanding results to let the public understand the research progress of Marxist theory (including Marxist atheism); third, through data such as the number of followers, article push volume, read counts, likes, and shares, it gains a panoramic profile of users to strengthen Marxist atheist propaganda in a targeted manner.
(3) Concretization of Narrative: From Grand Narrative to Micro-Narrative
Influenced by the sensory-oriented discourse, phenomenal thinking, and fragmented communication patterns of the intelligent algorithm field, Marxist atheist propaganda focuses more on concretized narratives, shifting grand narratives toward popularization, secularization, and emotionalization to enhance the affinity of Marxist atheism.
First is the shift toward the popularization of Marxist atheist propaganda narratives. Unlike the past, where the dissemination of mainstream ideological discourse mainly utilized abstract, profound, and grand narratives, intelligent algorithms are influencing individual life practices and socio-political life through fragmented and niche narrative styles. Objectively, this has pushed the dissemination of mainstream ideological discourse to shift from grand narratives focusing on normativity and political nature to popularized and concretized real-world topics. As an important part of mainstream ideological dissemination, if Marxist atheist propaganda is to enhance its "discourse power" [12] in the algorithmic field, it must undergo a popularization shift from its logically rigorous, strictly argued, and serious narrative system to narrative forms and cultural patterns that fit the public’s cognitive schemas, lifestyles, and acceptance habits, thereby permeating and infiltrating the daily lives of the masses.
Second is the shift toward the secularization (life-orientation) of Marxist atheist propaganda narratives. In algorithmic recommendation scenarios, the public prefers a secular narrative style that focuses on real-world concerns, practical experiences, and life values. In this context, illegal religious groups and cult organizations often use details of the public's daily work, studies, emotions, and physical health as entry points, utilizing algorithmic media platforms like WeChat, QQ, Weibo, and Douyin to instill their ideas and spread their doctrines. To expose the true face of various illegal religious organizations and stop the unbridled spread of illegal speech and extreme thoughts, the narrative of Marxist atheist propaganda must undergo a secular shift. On one hand, only by closely adhering to the themes of life and directly answering and solving the ideological confusion, life difficulties, and emotional demands of the masses in real life can Marxist atheist propaganda make the masses truly identify with Marxist atheism in their hearts and firm up their Marxist atheist worldview. On the other hand, only by being deeply rooted in life practices and enhancing the consistency with the public's life experiences and spiritual needs—as well as the society's political operation and value requirements—can Marxist atheist propaganda ensure it plays its fundamental role in criticizing theistic thought and resisting ideological infiltration.
Third is the shift toward the emotionalization of Marxist atheist propaganda narratives. In the field of intelligent algorithms, the sensory needs of individuals have become the focus of information narratives, emphasizing the satisfaction of the subject's sensory experiences in a physical, psychological, and emotional sense. In this context, the narrative of Marxist atheist propaganda and education needs to combine rationalized, systematic narratives with emotionalized, interactive narratives. This ensures both the scientific and logical nature of the narrative while using emotionalized narratives—which are more story-driven, multi-dimensional, and resonant—to demonstrate the theoretical charm of Marxist atheism, strike the hearts of the masses, integrate into their consciousness, eliminate the gap between Marxist atheism and the real life of the public, and ensure it enters people's hearts.
III. The Practical Path of Intelligent Algorithms Empowering Marxist Atheist Propaganda
As a key force leading the revolution in information dissemination, how intelligent algorithms can promote innovation in Marxist atheist propaganda—based on leveraging technical advantages and responding to practical challenges—is a question that requires reflection in both theory and practice. To promote such innovation, a comprehensive path should be chosen. Through strategies such as advancing algorithmic upgrades, focusing on content production, enhancing the literacy of subjects, and improving regulatory mechanisms, the attraction, contagiousness, and influence of Marxist atheist propaganda can be strengthened, thereby continuously opening up a new situation for the cause of Marxist atheist propaganda and education in the New Era.
(1) Advancing Algorithmic Upgrades to Increase the Exposure of Marxist Atheism
Intelligent algorithms have injected new technological vitality into the construction of mainstream ideological fronts and the dissemination of mainstream value-oriented public opinion. For Marxist atheist propaganda, the advantages of intelligent algorithms can be used to empower information dissemination. Through technical means such as adjusting algorithmic parameters, setting content gatekeeping procedures, and developing reverse-push programs, the exposure of Marxist atheism can be comprehensively increased.
First, adjust algorithmic parameters to increase the push priority of mainstream ideological content, ensuring that Marxist atheist information content is pushed preferentially. The underlying logic of algorithm design consists of a series of codes and formulas; during the encoding process, parameters can be adjusted appropriately to increase the recommendation weight of Marxist atheist information content. This can not only encourage the production and dissemination of Marxist atheism but also expand the coverage of its propaganda.
Second, set content gatekeeping procedures to enhance the recognition of sensitive vocabulary, minimizing the probability of pushing illegal religious information and pseudo-scientific content. In the era of intelligent information, the power of gatekeeping has shifted from manual management to algorithmic determination, making it difficult to guarantee the "publicness" of information. To ensure the effective dissemination of Marxist atheist information content, the identification of sensitive words related to illegal proselytizing should be increased. Harmful proselytizing information, feudal superstitions, and anti-scientific speech should be filtered out as much as possible, so that objective, rational, and healthy "positive energy" [13] content fills the cyberspace.
Finally, develop information reverse-push programs to actively pin or push atheist information to users, maintaining a dynamic balance between the pushing of "important" information and "interesting" (fun) information. To correct the "preference solidification" (echo chambers), cognitive narrowing, and value polarization caused by personalized algorithmic recommendations, one must start with the construction process of algorithmic recommendation models and broaden the scope of data collection and information selection. For example, by introducing a reverse-push program, while users are browsing theistic information, the system can actively deliver atheist content to them, ensuring that both personalized information needs and social public rationality needs are met. Under the operation of reverse-push programs, Marxist atheism can both increase its own exposure and construct a diverse and colorful information world for users.
(2) Focus on content production to promote innovation in the discourse of Marxist atheist propaganda Marxist atheist propaganda must fully manifest the great intellectual power and radiance of truth inherent in Marxist atheism. Its scientific and truthful nature can be elucidated not only from the theoretical connotations, narrative logic, and spiritual values of Marxist atheism, but its vigorous vitality and exuberant energy can also be demonstrated through the glorious achievements of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxist atheism. This requires that the algorithmic dissemination of Marxist atheism must focus on content production. By innovating the discursive expression, content, and modality of Marxist atheism, its theoretical charm and vitality can be vividly displayed, thereby continuously driving the cause of Marxist atheist propaganda forward.
First, promote innovation in discursive expression. To innovate the expression of Marxist atheist propaganda discourse, one should clearly explain the illusory essence of theism, the real-world roots of religious belief [14], and the theoretical core of how to treat religion, while simultaneously integrating the core tenets and spiritual essence of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important expositions on adhering to and propagating Marxist atheism. At the same time, based on the diversity of the audience, more vivid, lively, and approachable modes of expression—including beneficial symbols from internet discourse—should be employed to increase the theoretical supply and real-world explanatory power of Marxist atheist discourse. It is vital to note that one must prevent the scientific and truthful nature of Marxist atheism from being obscured by an excessive pursuit of popular or "fun" discursive expressions.
Second, promote innovation in discursive content. Marxist atheism is not an immutable dogma; "it is in the struggle against various forms of theism that it is continuously enriched, deepened, and developed." In the field of algorithmic recommendation, the production and dissemination of Marxist atheist content will inevitably be impacted and intruded upon by heterogeneous information. Regarding this, one must remain highly vigilant against the ideological risks behind intelligent algorithms, while strengthening the supply and innovation of Marxist atheist content on the basis of unswerving adherence to Marxist faith and the Party's comprehensive leadership. By proactively engaging in agenda-setting, we must continuously produce and push high-quality content regarding the scientific understanding of the essence of religion, scientific attitudes toward religious issues, responses to hot-button social concerns, care for the people's spiritual world, and the latest theoretical achievements of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxist atheism. This will play a powerful role in helping the masses cast a firm Marxist atheist worldview, enhancing their dialectical capacity to view religious issues rationally, and forming healthy, upwardly mobile lifestyles.
Third, promote innovation in discursive modalities. In the age of intelligent information, the innovation of Marxist atheist discursive modalities must fully utilize algorithmic technology to present discourse through multiple modalities such as language, images, text, and video, thereby enhancing its appeal. For example, with the rise of the short-video industry, as of December 2022, the number of short-video users reached 1.012 billion. While short-video platforms such as Douyin (TikTok) and Kuaishou have become important ways for people to engage in daily recreation and cultural experience, they also provide an excellent opportunity for innovating the discursive modalities of Marxist atheism. Marxist atheist propaganda can utilize short videos for modal construction, opening official accounts on Douyin, Kuaishou, and Bilibili [15] to create attractive, persuasive, and guiding video content. By transmitting "positive energy" [16], these efforts can enhance the effectiveness of Marxist atheist propaganda and increase the masses' identification with Marxist atheism.
(3) Improve the literacy of subjects to enhance the effectiveness of Marxist atheist propaganda Currently, the ability of intelligent algorithms to discern the value of information still needs improvement. The "present" subjects within the algorithmic field need to improve their theoretical literacy in Marxist atheism and make correct value judgments and choices regarding information content; only then can it be ensured that Marxist atheism, as the mainstream ideology, "stands firm" and "does not run off course" during dissemination.
First, regularly conduct specialized training on Marxist atheism for algorithm designers. Through specialized training and policy briefings, the sense of social responsibility among algorithm designers should be enhanced, ensuring that the substantive rationality of the people's standpoint, public values, and human happiness permeates the entire process of algorithm design, R&D, and application. This installs a "steering wheel" on intelligent algorithms at the technical source, truly serving Marxist atheist propaganda.
Second, strengthen the cultivation of Marxist atheist theoretical literacy among content gatekeepers. At the level of content gatekeeping or censorship, the ability of gatekeepers to identify various theistic trends of thought should be improved. Dangerous information such as illegal proselytization and religious infiltration should be filtered and deleted to the greatest extent possible, thereby providing users with information content imbued with a spirit of scientific rationality.
Third, improve the Marxist atheist theoretical literacy of the audience. Based on learning and mastering Marxist atheism, the audience should establish a rational understanding of various theistic trends and enhance their ability to discern and judge different manifestations and forms of illegal religious dissemination and religious infiltration. This enables them to proactively avoid low-quality information that is false or deceptive and prevents them from being blinded or controlled by religious infiltration forces.
(4) Improve regulatory mechanisms to optimize the environment for Marxist atheist propaganda As key information infrastructure in the internet era, algorithmic media platforms occupy social and user information data, control the transmission and reception of information, and influence the cyberspace environment and communication order. Therefore, they must accept the supervision of public power. For Marxist atheist propaganda work, algorithmic media platforms must strictly abide by the Administrative Measures on Internet Religious Information Services and the Provisions on the Administration of Algorithmic Recommendations for Internet Information Services. On the basis of adhering to laws and regulations, maintaining national ideological security, and practicing Socialist Core Values, they must resolutely eliminate illegal religious information services, curb online religious extremism, and resist overseas religious infiltration.
In his speech at the National Conference on Cybersecurity and Informatization, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We must implement the responsibility for the protection of key information infrastructure; industries and enterprises, as operators of key information infrastructure, bear the primary responsibility for protection, while competent departments fulfill their regulatory responsibilities." For government departments, they must fulfill their regulatory responsibilities over the algorithm industry and enterprises, increasing the intensity of supervision and punishment for phenomena such as illegal proselytization and the spread of religious extremism, ethnic separatism, and terrorism on algorithmic media platforms. Industry rectification should be carried out through measures such as regulatory talks, mandatory rectifications, and shutdowns, forcefully maintaining ideological and political security. For industries and enterprises, they must implement the primary responsibility for the protection of algorithmic media platforms, undertaking the duties of content gatekeeping, information auditing, public opinion guidance, and risk prevention in accordance with laws and regulations. With an attitude of responsibility toward society and the people, they must strictly prevent and boycott illegal propaganda such as religious extremism and religious infiltration by overseas forces. Relevant subjects who fail to fulfill their protective responsibilities and obligations, resulting in serious consequences, must be held accountable.