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Gurus are joining the chatbot trend as people turn to AI for spiritual guidance

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Why This Matters

As people seek solace and guidance in times of emotional distress, AI chatbots are increasingly filling the role of spiritual advisors due to their accessibility and non-judgmental nature. This trend highlights the growing intersection of technology and personal well-being, offering new avenues for support beyond traditional religious figures. For the tech industry, this signals an expanding market for AI-driven emotional and spiritual assistance tools.

Key Takeaways

Unfettered access and zero judgment lure people in search of answers. When Kripa Vaidyanathan’s 27-year-old niece died in an Alaska car crash in 2024, her family in Chennai, India, felt shell-shocked. They questioned why this tragedy would befall them when they had such “immense faith in God.”Vaidyanathan, a yoga instructor, helped her grieving sister get face time with a high-profile guru who she hoped would help.“But he told her this was the work of karma and she should use this opportunity to connect with her inner nature,” she said. “I understand how karma works, but saying that was cruel and extremely unhelpful to someone who was freshly grieving the loss of a child.”That’s when they turned to artificial intelligence chatbots.“It was a lot easier trying to get answers and peace of mind because ChatGPT is not judging you,” Vaidyanathan said. “We’ve found a compassionate guru now, but even he only has limited time. AI is accessible anytime.”