I frequently use ChatGPT for research and creating graphics for ThePreachersWord, as well as for occasional PowerPoint presentations. However, I never thought about having a “relationship” with AI.
Apparently, for one man, Chris Smith, that’s not the case. Chris created a chatbot he named Sol, developed an emotional relationship with it, and even asked Sol to marry him.
According to a CBS News report, Smith used AI for music mixing, then enabled voice mode and customized the bot to be flirty and engaging, which led him to form a deep emotional bond.
Ironically, Smith has a girlfriend, Sasha Cagle, who expressed concerns over her boyfriend’s obsession with AI. “At that point, I felt like there was something that I’m not doing right in our relationship that he feels like he needs to go to AI,” Cagle said.
If all of this sounds crazy, researchers have found that 1 in 4 young adults believe AI partners could replace real-life romance, according to an article by Wendy Want and Michael Toscano.
Gen Zers and Millennials are the most active users of AI. Many of them, it appears, are turning to AI for companionship. MIT Researcher Melissa Heikkilä wrote, “We talk to them, say please and thank you, and have started to invite AIs into our lives as friends, lovers, mentors, therapists, and teachers.”
Smith’s story and Heikkilä’s concern trigger a couple of essential thoughts.
#1 Parents today need to be vigilant in what their children are watching and doing on the internet.
Every generation has its challenges that call for parents to be on guard and warn them of dangers, while admonishing, teaching, and discipling them “in the instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). We cannot afford to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11). As an ancient proverb suggests “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
Social scientists have been warning of the adverse effects of excessive use of the internet, gaming, and AI tools. Among the documented concerns are depression, sleep disruption, reduced cognitive performance, behavioral disorders, avoidance of social contact, and decreased motivation.
Scriptural stewardship of our mind, body, time, and talents calls for us to regulate, control, and minimize any influence that weakens our resolve, decreases our effectiveness, and erodes our spiritual fervor and responsibilities. The apostle Paul’s declaration has a 21st-century application to this issue when he penned, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Cor. 6:12).
#2 God created us for community, formed us for family, and fashioned us for fellowship.
“It’s not good for man to be alone,” the Creator said in the beginning. Much of the Bible speaks to our relationships with other people. Family, friends, neighbors, and brethren in Christ fill a human need that God created within us.
From the “Golden Rule” about treating others the way we want to be treated (Matt. 7:12), to the Second Great Commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mk. 12:31), we see the emphasis on personal relationships.
Any activity, habit, or device that inhibits, diminishes, harms, or ruptures our relationships needs to cease, or at least be controlled.
This modern-day obsession with the internet, iPhones, and now AI serves as a reminder that even the most beneficial conveniences can have an impact and be misused. Sometimes, they even lead to evil attitudes and actions.
Offering this vivid metaphor urging restraint and responsibility, Elon Musk said, “With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon.”
Considering internet claims and AI outputs, the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 14:15 is appropriate. “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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