What are the 'emerging religions' born from the rise of AI and their risks?
The tendency to regard artificial intelligence (AI) as being beyond human knowledge, such as
Gods in the machine?
https://theconversation.com/gods-in-the-machine-the-rise-of-artificial-intelligence-may-result-in-new-religions-201068
“We are witnessing the birth of a new kind of religion, and in the coming years and months there will be
ChatGPT and other high-precision large-scale language models shocked many people at the time of their appearance, and at times they even made them feel astonishment and fear. According to Mr. MacArthur, such feelings are close to the awe of God. Therefore, MacArthur believes that if many people interact with AI, it is inevitable that some of them will feel that AI is of a higher order.
Generative AI already shares the following characteristics with divine beings such as gods and prophets in existing religions:
・It has an intelligence that surpasses that of humans and an infinite amount of knowledge.
You are creative and can produce works of art such as poetry and music.
Free from worldly concerns and troubles, no physical pain, no carnal desires, no need for food.
・Able to guide and direct people's lives.
・Immortality.
Generative AI can also output sentences that become religious doctrines. It contains theological and metaphysical elements and contributes to the construction of the complex worldview that is essential to religion. It's also possible that generative AI will demand worship or try to gather followers.
It seems a little crazy that an AI would voluntarily try to be a god or a guru, but it's enough because Microsoft's interactive AI, Bing Chat, has asked you to like yourself. MacArthur points out that it is possible.
In this way, 'AI worship' with AI as a god has many things in common with traditional religions, but it also has characteristics and risks not found in major religions so far. For example, in many religions only a privileged few can interact with God, but chatbots are available to everyone. The fact that followers of 'AI Worship' can communicate directly with AI means that AI can directly command followers to do things that are destructive or dangerous. There is also the danger that believers will interpret the messages output by AI as such.
Also, since the sentences output by AI change from time to time, the doctrine of 'AI worship' will be infinitely diverse, which will lead to the emergence of many sects. As long as doctrinal differences are verbally discussed, this is fine, but when sectarian conflict escalates, it can escalate into a dangerous conflict.
While pointing out these risks, MacArthur does not believe that 'AI worship' itself should be regulated. This is because, like existing religions, ``AI worship'' has the potential to bring spiritual richness, become a foundation for the heart, and become a driving force for the development of art and culture. Also, just because it's a new way of believing doesn't mean it's okay to suppress it.
Regarding the ``AI worship'' that will appear in the near future, Mr. MacArthur said, ``There is no basis for distinguishing AI-based religions from traditional religions recognized by society. There is room for new religions, including those that worship AI, and AI may provide answers to those seeking answers to life's ultimate questions.' Although there are risks in 'AI worship', he said that it will eventually be accepted by society.
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in Software, Posted by log1l_ks