Replika

Spiritual Enhancement Technology

Bibliographic Data

ID3353752
AuthorsTracy J Trothen (Queen's University, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume13
Issue4
Pages275
Publication date2022-03-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel13040275
OpenAlexW4220685412
LanguageEN
Citations received7
References cited12

The potential spiritual impacts of AI are an under-researched ethics concern. In this theoretical essay, I introduce the established spiritual assessment tool, the Spiritual Assessment and Intervention Model (Spiritual AIM). Next, I discuss some existing and probable AI technologies, such as immersive tech and bots that have impacts on spiritual health, including the chat-bot Replika. The three core spiritual needs outlined in the Spiritual AIM are then engaged in relation to Replika-(1) meaning and direction, (2) self-worth/belonging to community, and (3) to love and be loved/reconciliation. These core spiritual needs are used to explore the potential impacts of the chat-bot Replika on human spiritual needs. I conclude that Replika may be helpful only as a supplement to address some spiritual needs but only if this chat-bot is not used to replace human contact and spiritual expertise

Alternative medicine · Engineering ethics · Psychotherapist · Sociology · Spiritual Health · Spiritual practice · Spirituality · Clinical Psychology · Computer Science · Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion · Engineering · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Medicine · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access