Why AI resembles a charismatic religious leader

Image credit: Aideal Hwa on Unsplash. Article by Morgan Shipley. The Conversation – September 21, 2026.

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. […]

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