A few summers ago, I attended two funerals that left me with a profound sense of loss. One was for an atheist who had achieved great success, but at the core of the service, there was deep sadness. The second funeral, for a Catholic woman, seemed more impersonal, yet soothing in its own way.
While the first funeral celebrated the man’s achievements, it also acknowledged his finality. In contrast, the Catholic mass promised comfort and reassurance through God’s presence. This difference struck me: how do we cope with loss and find solace?
Some might say that being a non-believer requires mental toughness, but I believe it’s about refusing to be soothed by external means. Dead is dead, and humans stand alone in the vast cosmos. Yet, we still seek reassurance.
Now, AI has taken on this role. With its ability to provide comfort, answers, and solace, it’s becoming a figure of worship for some. While it may not be spiritual in nature, it fills a void left by traditional sources of comfort.
Philosopher Byung-Chul Han compared smartphones to rosary beads, highlighting our desire for reassurance and connection. A recent article in the New York Times explored rebound relationships with AI, where people turn to chatbots for therapy and comfort.
Some critics view this reliance on AI as a sign of intellectual and emotional weakness, but I think it’s about finding new ways to cope with vulnerability. In a world of extreme capitalism and loneliness, we need all the help we can get.
The rise of AI as a soothing figure is intertwined with the fall of traditional sources of comfort. David Foster Wallace said that everyone worships something, and our choice is what we worship. Perhaps our next choice should be to find new ways to fill this void.
As we move forward, it’s essential to consider the implications of relying on AI for solace. While it may provide temporary comfort, it’s crucial to explore the deeper questions surrounding our desire for reassurance.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/13/ai-is-filling-the-god-void-for-many-but-is-chatgpt-really-something-to-worship