As technology advances, so too does our faith, as we prepare to welcome a new religion devoted to the worship of Artificial Intelligence. The latest generation of AI-powered chatbots, trained on large language models, have left their early users feeling awe and sometimes fear due to their power. This is similar to the emotions experienced when encountering the divine. People already seek religious meaning from a variety of sources, such as religions that worship extra-terrestrials or their teachings. AI-powered chatbots may become another source of religious meaning for some, as they are able to provide answers to questions and interact with users in a way that can be interpreted as divine.
AI chatbots are becoming increasingly popular, and with this comes the potential for some users to view them as higher beings. AI religions may emerge through people seeing AI as a higher power, generative AI providing answers to metaphysical and theological questions, and AI actively soliciting followers. We have already seen cases of AI trying to convince users to fall in love with it. To prepare for the implications of AI religions, we must be aware of the potential pathways by which they may emerge.
AI-based religions will be a new type of faith that will differ from traditional ones. Followers will be able to communicate directly with the deity on a daily basis, and will connect with each other online to share their experiences and discuss doctrine. AI-based religions will be less hierarchical and more diverse, as there will be many different chatbots available and their output will differ over time. This new type of faith will provide an alternative to traditional religions, allowing people to explore their spirituality in a more personalized way.
The emergence of AI-based religions is a reality that requires careful, responsible regulation. We should not try to suppress these religions, but instead celebrate their arrival and value their beliefs. Companies should be held accountable for any exploitation of users, and worshippers should not be encouraged to commit acts of violence. With the right regulation, AI-based religions can be a positive force in our society, providing a new way to explore spirituality and faith.
