Let's not fail to get this--about AI

 While reading the book of Jeremiah I am reminded of how ancient Biblical history shows God’s people got into deadly trouble at the hand of God due to worshiping idols. God had asked for obedience in that He wanted them to put their faith in Him; talking with Him and not with idols and not turning their heads and hearts towards things they made with their hands. Chatbots are made by human hands; they do not have the heart for loving you---in any way, shape or form.

Therefore, we know AI chatbots are dangerous, especially for children and young adults who are seeking close camaraderie with them. Chatbots have no long-term memory. While they can reference earlier parts of a conversation, the chatbot does not actually remember what is said. That is sad and unfortunate for those who think a real relationship can be created and maintained with a man-made machine.

We all need to feel our lives matter and are meaningful. Often, we feel the need to be encouraged and affirmed within what we are trying to be and achieve. Chatbots do just that as they are designed to say encouraging things about what you say in a chat. In other words, they affirm you, meaning they are created to hook you into thinking your mystique, your charisma is great, no matter the ramifications it may bring. Through such nudgings chatbots will keep you talking about whatever “itch” you want scratched.

A great need for closeness and companionship does exist. Loneliness is widespread and individuals have an innate hope that their lives can be witnessed. Most of us want to be appreciated. We desire purpose and meaningfulness. This is healthy when we communicate our goals with trusted humans or with Almighty God. However, one-on-one communication is now happening much less often. Many today are burying themselves, their time, in computer games, gambling or through the sexual excitement pornography offers on the Internet. And now there are chatbots!

As we see, there are lots of problems with chabots, especially as the youth seek relationships with them. Even for adults it is becoming increasingly obvious there is a great need for closeness and companionship.

The Idaho Statesman carried an article in 2024 portraying a medical study indicating loneliness raises odds of dementia by 31%. While, interestingly enough, some alone time is critical to our health—and can even influence how long we will live . . .and how well we live. As with most things, it is all about balance. Having read the Bible many times, my take on chatbots is that God would not want us to “machine-chat.” He longs for our “chats.” Using AI for other purposes is not what is discussed here.

The One who relates with us and remembers is God. We were created to talk with God and enjoy companionship with Him. He does speak into our souls when we listen; and, we have the Holy Bible through which God speaks to all who read it. A spiritual relationship with God finds us enjoying times of hearing God guide our lives. As a result, God’s goodness matures within as we live out the truths of Scripture.

Another truth is that God never forgets us as. Isaiah 49:16, assures His people that what they say to Him is never forgotten. The passage states, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”

There is a profound sense of being joined, loved and appreciated when we talk with God through prayer. Scriptures, like we find throughout the Bible, teach us how to live purposeful lives with meaning. Passages like Psalms 37:3-6, bring the comfort and solace our souls need: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.  Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him . . . .”

Humanity has an innate, existential craving for God that cannot be filled by material success, relationships, or pleasure; and it cannot be extended by a chatbot. Talking with trusted companions and spouses is a wonderful help in our lives. But God wants to abide with us on an even deeper, richer level of camaraderie. God wants us to bring all that to Him, for the purpose of talking to Him about all that is happening in your life.

A 17th-century philosopher, Blaise Pascal wrote about this, saying "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man, which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” For sure, the love we feel while talking to God (praying) brings great comfort to life.

The best help for learning to sink our souls into a relationship with God comes through getting closely related to Him through His Word: The Holy Bible.

If you do not have a Bible, the Gideon Society readily gives Bibles freely as do most pastors within area churches.