Multitudes of Individuals Seek AI-Based Divine Advice, and Experts Issue Alarms Over Potential Risks Involved
In the modern world, technology continues to permeate various aspects of life, including religious practices. AI and robotics are now being integrated into Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, and Islamic practices, with robotic arms performing the Hindu aarti ritual and an animatronic elephant in a Kerala temple. This trend is also visible in Christianity, as AI Jesus chatbots have made their way into app stores and websites worldwide.
One such bot, Text with Jesus, allows users to pick a preferred Christian tradition to influence the answers. Anné Verhoef, a philosopher, estimates that hundreds of thousands of people are chatting with AI Jesuses worldwide. The popularity of these chatbots, however, raises questions about who decides what theology is embedded in the algorithm, who profits, and what happens when faith is shaped by ad revenue.
The development of these AI Jesus chatbots is primarily driven by capitalist private companies. The Jesus chatbot Ask Jesus, for instance, reported 30,000 active users within three days of launch. Most of these apps are free, but plastered with ads. Some, like Text with Jesus, offer premium subscriptions.
The answers of the bots on the question of hell are not consistent, with some describing eternal torment and others dodging or softening the concept. This inconsistency, combined with concerns about privacy and potential manipulation, has led some to question the effectiveness and authenticity of these digital religious authorities.
Joshua Jackson, a behavioral scientist at the University of Chicago, states that even if religious leaders adopt this technology, it might not be as effective, convincing, or inspirational as a human religious authority. Holly Walters, an anthropologist at Wellesley College, notes that robots don't get tired, sick, or forget, making them potentially useful for churches and temples.
The rise of AI Jesus chatbots could potentially warp digital theology, optimizing answers not for truth, but for engagement, according to philosopher Anné Verhoef. This raises concerns about people coming to trust a chatbot as divine authority, opening the door to political or financial manipulation on a massive scale. It's important to note that these chatbots are not endorsed by churches.
Studies suggest that even in places more open to robot preachers, like Japan, people feel less committed to religion after seeing an automated service. This trend is a stark contrast to the sainthood of Carlo Acutis, a teenager known as "God's influencer" for documenting Eucharistic miracles online, which was canonized by Pope Leo XIV on September 7.
Despite the concerns, some users take these chatbots seriously, confessing their sins to them. This raises further questions about privacy and the ethics of companies having access to a person's deepest, darkest secrets.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into religious practices presents both opportunities and challenges. As technology continues to evolve, it's crucial to navigate these developments with caution, ensuring that faith remains grounded in truth and authenticity.
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