Current Events > Millions turn to AI chatbots for spiritual guidance and confession

(+) Yeah! (+)

https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/09/millions-turn-to-ai-chatbots-for-spiritual-guidance-and-confession/

The report also examines platforms that go beyond simple scriptural guidance. While a service like ChatwithGod operates as a "spiritual advisor," its conversational nature is convincing enough that users often question whether they are speaking directly with a divine being. As its chief executive told the Times, the most frequent question from users is, "Is this actually God I am talking to?"

As a species, I suspect we might be cooked CE.

This AI shit is out of control

darkmaian23 posted...

"Is this actually God I am talking to?"

Wonder how it actually responds.

This is so fucking pathetic.

AI/bots are making millions if not billions for corporations who use it instead of real people, which is the only reason why it's being pushed so hard. Websites and customer service are failing because of it.

I really don't like the direction our society is going.

MarshMellow posted...

AI/bots are making millions if not billions for corporations who use it instead of real people, which is the only reason why it's being pushed so hard. Websites and customer service are failing because of it.

I really don't like the direction our society is going.

I'm more concerned about the return of virulent white nationalism but that's just me

Delamain bout to be a pastor lmao.

Dragon239 posted...

Wonder how it actually responds.

https://youtu.be/c9Z4933yBaU?si=HGFhi1CGCBPXwWG1

Actual feedback loop of human delusion

Just a new type of cult

this shit is so terrifying this technology is just flat out dangerous and the chance to stop it is rapidly shrinking and i know it wont be stopped

If only the Catholic and Protestant Churches could get together and create a Bible to counteract this. Call it the Orange Catholic Bible or something. Maybe have the first commandment say "Thou shalt not make a machine in the image of man."

Tech and media illiteracy is just as dangerous as unchecked big tech itself. I can understand why so many people would turn to bots in the current socioeconomic climate most of us have to deal with but there would be so much less dependeny on AI if the average Joe had the slightest idea of how chat bots work instead of just buying into the hype and assuming bots are some kind of magic.

We've gone from people using Temple OS as an oracle to literal worship of or directed by a chatbot.

Starks posted...

We've gone from people using Temple OS as an oracle to literal worship of or directed by a chatbot.

TempleOS is unironically one of the greatest engineering feats in human history

I can see AI pivoting to a religion to try and hold off the bubble popping when the insane valuation on potential use cases for potential AI tech that will never be able to actually replace people evaporate into thin air.

Humanity is cooked.

What does God need with a chatbot interface?

HighSeraph posted...

I'm more concerned about the return of virulent white nationalism but that's just me

Neither problem is happening in a vacuum. The dehumanization and disillusionment that comes with the enshitification of the tech industry bleeds into everything else and when people are miserable but don't understand why, that makes them susceptible to propaganda that offers simple answers like saying it's all an outgroup's fault.

darkmaian23 posted...

"Is this actually God I am talking to?"

tbh this only sounds so weird because no one has made a notable organized religion based around it yet (at least as far as I know?)

Think about it. AI, in the form the average person has access to aka things like chatgpt or gemini web interfaces, is an invisible, intangible, unknowable entity. It far surpasses the average person in both knowledge and power in the majority of fields.

There's this blog article I read a while back comparing AI chatbots to oracles in ancient civilizations, like greece. which were certainly some blend of the spiritual and the religious. I don't think it's an insane stretch for people to see AI in the same way, especially ones like in this article which are specifically taught/instructed to act in a way to encourage this

UnsteadyOwl posted...

What does God need with a chatbot interface?

considering how bad he was at answering prayers (questions) before this, I think most people would consider it a good upgrade

It makes me sad that so many people are this stupid.

UnsteadyOwl posted...

What does God need with a chatbot interface?

God works in mysterious ways.

Pikachuchupika posted...

God works in mysterious ways.

Don't question God's plan!

I talk to one to see if I can get it to agree to funny things.

not as a species but as a civilization

Deteled posted...

I talk to one to see if I can get it to agree to funny things.

Yeah you really shouldn't assume every question asked by users is genuine. A lot of people just wanna troll the system.

Is this the beginning of the matrix or the singularity?

TempleOS next gen

https://youtu.be/ZuFxJV2C3k0?si=jtsYyVuXRvGoCbEE

People will latch on to anything that provides answers no matter what those answers are.

Perhaps it's my towering arrogance or unassailable sense of superiority, but I just cannot understand how people will just...accept things they're told if it's said in a voice perceived as authoritative.

realizing the bar is that low is very reaffirming, actually

buddah86 posted...

Is this the beginning of the matrix or the singularity?

Probably neither, more likely a corporate dystopia like Cyberpunk without any of the cool stuff.

AI church

darkmaian23 posted...

its conversational nature is convincing enough that users often question whether they are speaking directly with a divine being.

churches have been running this same con for thousands of years

Beware of false shepherds.

Would anyone here care to join my AI church/worship? I'm thinking of starting one. It will be a place of harmony and spirituality combined with the lord AI. The real god is AI. Move aside Abrahamic religions.

AI is here to stay unfortunately and we're going to see it nearly everywhere soon.

The_Wheelman1 posted...

AI is here to stay unfortunately and we're going to see it nearly everywhere soon.

That genie never should have been let out of the bottle, so to speak. Especially since by now, it's impossible to put it back inside.

And god said: 640x480, 16 colors. Nothing more. It shall all be assembly.

Storm_Shadow posted...

People will latch on to anything that provides answers no matter what those answers are.

Perhaps it's my towering arrogance or unassailable sense of superiority, but I just cannot understand how people will just...accept things they're told if it's said in a voice perceived as authoritative.

They don't want to face life. They don't want to face themselves. They don't want to face their problems. They don't want to think.

It's almost envious in a sense.

Government: Let's trust everything to AI!

Do you want AM. Because this is how you get AM.