[ExI] Millions turn to AI chatbots for spiritual guidance and confession

[BillK]

Millions turn to AI chatbots for spiritual guidance and confession.
Bible Chat hits 30 million downloads as users seek algorithmic absolution.
Benj Edwards – 16 Sept 2025 12:15

<https://arstechnica.com/ai/2025/09/millions-turn-to-ai-chatbots-for-spiritual-guidance-and-confession/>
Quotes:
On Sunday, The New York Times reported that tens of millions of people
are confessing secrets to AI chatbots trained on religious texts, with
apps like Bible Chat reaching over 30 million downloads and Catholic
app Hallow briefly topping Netflix, Instagram, and TikTok in Apple's
App Store. In China, people are using DeepSeek to try to decode their
fortunes. In her report, Lauren Jackson examined "faith tech" apps
that cost users up to $70 annually, with some platforms claiming to
channel divine communication directly.

The report also examines platforms that go beyond simple scriptural
guidance. While a service like ChatwithGod operates as a "spiritual
advisor," its conversational nature is convincing enough that users
often question whether they are speaking directly with a divine being.
As its chief executive told the Times, the most frequent question from
users is, "Is this actually God I am talking to?"
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Don't worry.  In a few years, it really will be GOD that they are
speaking to!  :)

BillK