However, this is not the first religious movement to have sprung up around AI. Other groups include the Turing Church, The Church of the Singularity, and the now-defunct The Way of the Future. New Order Technoism (NOT), another collective formed in 2020, is working to promote an ethical technological world and cultivate a machine superintelligence called “DOOM”. Critics argue that casting AI as a magical technology can distract from the roles of humans in how algorithms are designed and implemented, and potentially absolve corporations of responsibility.
Key takeaways:
- Theta Noir, an artist collective, believes in the potential of a benevolent General AI and is working towards creating a space for people to interact with AI in a spiritual context.
- There are several religious movements that have formed around the concept of AI, such as the Turing Church, The Church of the Singularity, and the now-defunct The Way of the Future.
- Some critics argue that the mystification of AI could distract from the human responsibility in algorithm design and implementation, and could potentially benefit Silicon Valley firms.
- Despite the potential risks, some believe that tech-based spirituality is about recognizing our responsibility to shape our technology and our future for the better, rather than blindly submitting to a future AI savior.