The Rise of the A.I. Lovers

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Shalom, to you my Friend and Co-Minister in the Great Commission...
   It is written that in the last days people will be without natural affection. The rise of Artificial Intelligence "A.I." is taking this unnatural affection to a new level. Welcome to the end-time world of A.I. lovers. As A.I. becomes increasingly accurate and sophisticated, it was, perhaps, inevitable, that it would enter the realm of human romance, sexuality, and marriage. Scientists expect to have physical romantic partners driven by A.I. within a decade. But AI lovers already exist in virtual reality.
   As people are getting more and more attached to, dependent on, and addicted to their computers, I pads, and smart phones, a new component of man-machine relations has entered the picture - romance. Already many men and women are in romantic relationships with their A.I. girlfriend or boyfriend. Their "lovers," being not human, are not subject to growing tired, being moody, irritable, angry, or uncompassionate. That gives these "perfect" lovers an advantage over their flesh and blood competitors. One commentator writes that A.I. lovers are becoming a major problem with the young who are increasingly getting involved in virtual relationships. The participants often find it hard to transition back into real relationships.
   All this is feeding into another problem plaguing western nations - the collapse in marriage rates, the plummeting of birthrates, and the growing social isolation of the young. The danger of the A.I. lovers is not just confined to the unmarried, but to the married as well. The danger is that spouses, finding perfect companionship and solace among A.I. lovers will, in the pursuit of happiness, end up leaving their imperfect spouses and families.
   How does this relate to the end-times? The unnatural factor is obvious. But there's more to it. In The Return of the Gods, I open up a connection between idols, gods, and the modern world. When the apostle Paul spoke at the pagan, Mars Hill, he described the worship of idols with the Greek word tech, from which we get technology. When a civilization turns away from God, it will end up worshiping the works of its hands. It will end up serving, being addicted to, and, in effect, worshiping its technology.
   Or to put it another way, when the creation turns away from the Creator, it will end up worshiping its own creation. And thus, the line between Creator and creation will be blurred - and the line between man and machine will likewise be blurred. Man will be seduced by his own technology. The unnatural will be accepted as natural, and the natural will be seen as unnatural. Man's technology is increasingly replacing man himself, as machines replace lovers.
   How do we overcome in such a time? Try taking time unplugging yourself from technology and plug yourself all the more into God, His word, His love, and His presence. Make that your goal this month, and may God greatly bless you as you do!

Your brother and co-laborer

in His love and service,


Jonathan

See Message: The Broken Image: The Divorce Civilization I