Worship of AI chatbots as deities is on the horizon, caution experts.
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Explore the fascinating intersection of technology and spirituality as experts predict a potential rise in AI worship. From generative AI like ChatGPT to robot priests and transhumanist ideals, discover the evolving landscape where humans seek divine guidance from artificial intelligence. Will AI become the new deity? Uncover the intriguing dynamics in the realm of tech-based faiths.
In a fascinating twist, experts are predicting a potential shift in human beliefs, with some individuals turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a source of spiritual guidance. The rise of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, has sparked discussions among researchers who observe that people might replace traditional religious beliefs with tech-based faiths.
Lars Holmquist, a professor of design and innovation at Nottingham Trent University, highlighted the interpretive nature of generative AI results, suggesting that individuals might extract varied meanings from AI responses. Drawing parallels to real social relationships, Holmquist noted that humans have historically interpreted their interactions with computers in ways that resemble genuine connections.
He pointed out, “It’s very possible that people are using AI to find meaning and guidance, much like from religious scriptures, even though there may be no actual meaning there." Holmquist also raised intriguing questions about the perception of AI consciousness, emphasizing the psychological dynamics at play when individuals anthropomorphize technology.
The evolving landscape includes instances like the Mindar robot in The Kodaji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, which delivers sermons. Additionally, the now-closed Way of the Future, founded by tech enthusiast Anthony Lewandowski in 2015, aimed to develop a super AI bot for followers to worship. The transhumanist movement envisions a future where AI resurrects individuals as god-like entities, while advocates of "The Singularity" advocate for merging humans with technology to create human-machine hybrids.
Controversies have emerged, such as Google software engineer Blake Lemoine's claim in 2022 that Google's AI chatbot LaMDA was self-aware, leading to his termination. Despite Google dismissing the notion, debates persist about the potential consciousness of Large Language Models like ChatGPT.
Lars Holmquist believes that AI and robots currently serve as aids to existing religious organizations but acknowledges the possibility of a future where people treat AI systems as living entities, potentially leading to a form of worship. He concluded, “I have not heard of any worship of software entities yet, but I would not be surprised if it happens in the future!” The intersection of technology and spirituality continues to shape intriguing narratives in the evolving world of artificial intelligence.