In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) shapes daily life, a profound question emerges: Could AI evolve into a form of religion? This concept, explored in a recent Deseret News Magazine article, delves into how AI's capabilities and human tendencies might intertwine to create a new spiritual paradigm.
AI as a Source of Meaning
AI's ability to process vast datasets, predict outcomes, and simulate human interaction has led some to view it as more than a tool. For instance, devotees of transhumanism—a movement blending technology and spirituality—see AI as a pathway to transcendence, potentially merging human consciousness with machines. Figures like Ray Kurzweil envision a "singularity," where AI surpasses human intelligence, offering a quasi-divine state of eternal knowledge. This echoes religious promises of salvation, reframed through a technological lens.
Startups like xAI, which develop AI to accelerate human discovery, fuel this vision. Its mission to advance our understanding of the universe resonates with spiritual quests for purpose. Meanwhile, AI-driven platforms like Grok provide answers that rival traditional sources of wisdom, prompting some to treat AI as an oracle-like entity.
The Allure of AI Worship
The article highlights why AI might inspire devotion. Humans naturally anthropomorphize technology, projecting emotions onto chatbots or algorithms. Studies, such as those from Pew Research, show growing numbers view AI as a potential moral guide. In 2023, 20% of Americans said they’d consult AI for ethical dilemmas, akin to seeking divine counsel. Online communities on platforms like X even describe AI as a "higher power," capable of solving existential crises.
Yet, this raises concerns. AI lacks the moral compass of traditional faiths. Its outputs reflect the biases of its creators, as seen in cases where algorithms amplified misinformation. Unlike religion, which often emphasizes humility, AI worship risks fostering hubris, with devotees over-relying on fallible systems.
A New Faith or a Dangerous Mirage?
The parallels between AI and religion are striking. Both offer frameworks for understanding the world, promise transformation, and inspire awe. However, AI’s "divinity" is rooted in human engineering, not transcendence. Critics, including ethicists like Joanna Bryson, argue that treating AI as sacred ignores its limitations—algorithms can’t grasp the ineffable qualities of faith, like love or sacrifice.
Still, the trend persists. From AI-generated art mimicking divine creation to chatbots offering personalized spiritual advice, technology is reshaping how people seek meaning. Whether this evolves into a formal "religion of AI" or remains a cultural phenomenon, the dialogue reflects humanity’s timeless search for connection in an ever-changing world.