Why AI resembles a charismatic religious leader

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(The Conversation) — People are turning to artificial intelligence for a seemingly unending variety of reasons . Many ask AI what to cook for dinner or how to develop a workout plan. Some even rely on AI to create school handouts or revise a work email.

Increasingly, however, they are asking it different kinds of questions . How do I cope with grief? Why does suffering occur? Should I leave my relationship? What kind of person should I become? What gives my life meaning?

According to recent research from the Pew Research Center , about 1 in 10 American adults now report using AI chatbots for emotional support or advice. Among adults under 30, the figure rises to 1 in 5 .

At this point, AI clearly offers something more significant than access to information. By helping people interpret their lives , AI is entering territory historically occupied by therapists, spiritual advisers and religious communities. It provides companionship while offering directed advice for improving one’s life.

As a scholar of religion who studies spirituality and new religious movements, I think this shift…