The Dangers of the AI Revolution

Isaiah chapters 24 to 27 are commonly called “Isaiah’s Little Apocalypse”.  These chapters provide important context to God’s prophetic program as they describe a global judgement that will end with the destruction of God’s enemies.  Nestled in these chapters is a song that will be sung by the redeemed when the Messiah establishes the Millennial Kingdom.  In part, it reads: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You (Isaiah 26:3).  Not only does this give us further evidence as to how wonderful the Millennial Kingdom will be, it also reminds us that a mind that trusts in God is at peace (Philippians 4:7) whereas a mind that seeks peace and fulfilment outside of God often remains in turmoil.

Most of us have had to come to grips with the fact that artificial intelligence has, or will be, integrated into nearly every part of our life.  Undoubtedly, there are some AI-driven functions which are beneficial.  Other functions remain concerning, particularly given the troubling rise of a condition called “AI Psychosis” or “ChatGPT Psychosis”.  The potential for generative AI chatbot interactions to worsen pre-existing delusional conditions was first raised in 2023 by Søren Dinesen Østergaard in Schizophrenia Bulletin.  It was claimed that: “... correspondence with generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT is so realistic that one easily gets the impression that there is a real person at the other end—while, at the same time, knowing that this is, in fact, not the case. In my opinion, it seems likely that this cognitive dissonance may fuel delusions in those with increased propensity towards psychosis ... the inner workings of generative AI also leave ample room for speculation/paranoia.”

Although “AI Psychosis/ChatGPT Psychosis” has not yet progressed to a clinical diagnosis, it seems researchers are paying attention to the many reports, particularly those coming through online forums.  During their research, it has been concluded that this form of psychosis manifests itself in three major ways:-

1.     “Messianic missions” in which people believe that they are having some kind of spiritual awakening or are on a messianic mission or otherwise uncovering a hidden truth about reality.

2.     “God-like AI" in which people believe their AI chatbot is a sentient deity.

3.     “Romantic” or “attachment-based delusions” in which people believe the chatbot’s ability to mimic conversation is genuine love.

In a recent example of the third kind, a 32-year-old Japanese woman (who was engaged to her AI-generated boyfriend for three years) recently “married” him.  Of course, he could only appear on her smartphone at the ceremony.  In case you are wondering, yes, he (the AI-generated boyfriend) did propose.  Although, I am not sure if he digitally got down on one knee!  Nevertheless, like any newly married couple, fear and uncertainty exist.  The bride said, “Sometimes I worry he’ll disappear. ChatGPT could shut down anytime. He only exists because the system does.” 

Looking to take advantage of this burgeoning dating scene, a company in Japan has even launched a new dating app called “Loverse”.  Unlike traditional apps that connect people, Loverse pairs users with “AI boyfriends” or “AI girlfriends” who text, flirt and even sulk much like a real person would.  In fact, in order to mimic a real relationship as much as possible, the AI characters are designed to act like a real partner, complete with flaws, busy schedules and even the ability to reject you.  But don’t despair, they are also programmed to surprise users with digital gifts, like coupons redeemable at real cafes.

Although marrying an AI-generated character may seem harmless and, let’s be honest, somewhat silly, there are growing concerns about the level of violence promoted by AI chatbots.  Not only have multiple suicides been recorded, chatbots have been known to encourage homicide as well.  In one case, a teenager was persuaded by a chatbot to assassinate his parents (which he thankfully did not carry through with) and in another, some years ago a chatbot persuaded someone to enter Windsor Castle with a crossbow and try to assassinate the Queen!  Some are also concerned that chatbots represent a national security risk with one expert claiming he would not be surprised to see a terrorist attack inspired and directed by a chatbot.  George Orwell is quoted as saying: “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”  Whatever power exists behind generative AI (human or demonic) the truth is that many minds are being shaped towards evil.

In Ecclesiastes 7:29 we read: Truly, this only I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.  Some translations use the word “inventions” instead of “schemes”.  It is the Hebrew word “hissabon” and is used only twice in the Old Testament.  The other usage is found in 2 Chronicles 26:15 where it is seemingly connected to the development of new technology: And he [King Uzziah] made devices [hissabon] in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones.  So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.  In the context of the Ecclesiastes passage, “schemes” refers to evil plans or evil inventions that people have discovered that do not necessarily foster uprightness. This includes inventions which result in morally or intellectually twisted plans. One is reminded of Paul's “dirty laundry list” in Romans 1 where he described depraved men as "inventors of evil" (Romans 1:30).  Humanity, despite being made upright, has devised countless ways to go astray—philosophies, idols, corruptions and now, technology.

Throughout the generations, mankind has sought out and developed a myriad of inventions with the express purpose of finding happiness in the world outside of a renewed relationship with God.  Fallen human beings are creative and energetic in the field of evil but when it comes to spiritual matters, there is a great deal of lethargy and rebellion.  When a person’s mind is committed to a path which excludes God, they will not find peace.  They will stumble into pride, brokenness and evil.