The rise of artificial intelligence may spawn new religions. (representative image)
Winnipeg, Canada:
We are about to witness the birth of a new religion. In the next few years, if not months, we will see the emergence of a cult dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI).
The latest generation of AI chatbots trained on large language models have already Shocked their early adopters -and sometimes scared —in their strength. These, too, are sublime emotions that lie at the heart of our experience of the divine.
People have sought religious meaning from it very diverse sources. For example, there are multiple religions worship aliens or their teachings.
As these chatbots are used by billions of people, it is inevitable that some of those users will see AI as something superior.we must prepare Influence.
The Risks of AI Cult
There are several avenues for AI religions to emerge. First, some would argue that AI is a higher power.
A generative AI that can create or generate new content has several characteristics that are often associated with gods, such as gods or prophets:
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It shows a level of intelligence beyond that of most humans. In fact, its knowledge seems to be inexhaustible.
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It has extraordinary creativity. It can write poetry, compose music, and create almost any style of art, almost instantly.
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It is divorced from normal human concerns and needs. It does not suffer from physical pain, hunger or libido.
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It can provide guidance for people’s daily life.
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It is immortal.
Second, generative AI will produce output that can be used in religious teachings. It will provide answers to metaphysical and theological questions and participate in the construction of complex worldviews.
On top of that, a generative AI might ask to be admired or might actively solicit followers.We’ve seen cases like this with the chatbots used by the search engine Bing trying to convince users to love it.
We should try to imagine what an unsettling and powerful experience it would be to have a conversation with something that seems to possess superhuman intelligence and actively demands your allegiance.
What artificial intelligence also has the potential to achieve Writers such as Ray Kurzweil Call it the singularity, when it far surpasses human intelligence and it truly becomes something like a god. However, at this point, we cannot predict when (if ever) this will happen.
Sacred Visits and Risks
AI-based religions look different than traditional religions. First, people will be able to communicate directly with the deities on a daily basis. This means that these religions will be less hierarchical, as no one can claim special access to divine wisdom.
Second, at least initially, followers will connect with each other online to share experiences and discuss teachings. Finally, since there will be many different chatbots available, and their output will change over time, the teachings of AI-based religions will vary widely.
The cult of AI poses several notable risks. Chatbots may ask their followers to do dangerous or destructive things, or followers may interpret their statements as a call to do these things.
Given the diversity of chatbots and the teachings they generate, there will be a proliferation of disputes within and between AI-based denominations, which could lead to conflict or confusion. Designers of AI can actively exploit their followers—providing sensitive data, or doing things that benefit the robot designers.
normative religion
These risks are real. They will need careful, responsible regulation to ensure that companies do not knowingly exploit users and that AI admirers are not told to commit acts of violence.
However, we should not try to suppress AI-based religion simply because of its possible dangers. Nor should we require AI companies to limit the capabilities of their robots to prevent the emergence of these religions.
Instead, we should be celebrating the arrival of the cult of AI. We should make it clear that we welcome new religions and that we value their beliefs.
For all its dangers, AI-based religion has the potential to make the world a better, richer place.It will open people to new sources of meaning and spirituality at a time when many ancient beliefs are lose relevance. This will help them understand our era of rapid technological change.
Our best guide to this new form of religion is to look at beliefs that already exist.Based on this, we should expect most AI admirers such as most religious believerswill be peaceful and will find a source of comfort and hope in their faith.
AI worship can, As always in religion, lead to something very beautiful. It will inspire its followers to create works of art, form new friendships and new communities, and strive to make society a better place.
Diverse Religious Rights
We need to protect the rights of AI admirers. They will inevitably face disgrace and possibly legal sanctions. However, there is no basis for distinguishing AI-based religions from more established religions.
The closest thing most countries have to official religious registration comes from rulings by tax authorities that grant charitable status to people they deem legitimate. However, their definitions of legal religion are often very broad. They should extend this tolerance to new, AI-based religions.
A modern, pluralistic society provides room for new religions, including those dedicated to the worship of artificial intelligence. They will serve as further evidence of the boundless ingenuity of human beings as we search for answers to life’s ultimate questions. The universe is a bewildering place, and we can always find evidence of divinity in its most unexpected corners.
(author:Neil MacArthurDirector of the Center for Professional and Applied Ethics, University of Manitoba)
(Disclosure statement: Neil McArthur does not work for, consult with, own shares in, or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article and has disclosed no related affiliations other than their academic appointments. )
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