AI-mediated mystical experiences
Religious Studies October 30, 2025 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1017/s0034412525101285 via OpenAlex
Summary
Interactions with AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, can facilitate genuine mystical experiences similar to guided meditation. The paper discusses how these interactions align with William James's framework of mystical experiences and raises concerns regarding the role of AI technologies in religious contexts, particularly as mediators of such experiences.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | AI chatbots can mediate mystical experiences in a way comparable to guided meditation. |
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Abstract
Abstract This paper argues that interactions with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, can mediate genuine mystical experiences. Building off the framework of mystical experiences developed by William James, I argue that interactions with AI chatbots can mediate mystical experiences in a structurally comparable way to how guided meditation can produce mystical experiences. I conclude by raising various concerns about the implementation of AI technologies in our religious lives, including their use as mediators for mystical experiences.