Robot Preachers

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic technology into religious practices has sparked a significant debate on their credibility and the potential impact on donations, a concern highlighted in recent research conducted on AI preachers. This research, conducted by Joshua Conrad Jackson, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago in the Booth School of Business, and his team, examines the reception of robot preachers like Mindar in Japan and Pepper in Singapore by congregations, revealing a complex relationship between technology and faith (Jackson et al., 2023).

The study explored the reactions of participants who attended sermons delivered by these robotic preachers, comparing their responses to those of sermons delivered by human clergy. Findings indicate a marked preference for human preachers, who were deemed more credible, with robot preachers receiving an average credibility score of 3.12 out of 5, in contrast to 3.51 for their human counterparts. This diminished credibility not only affected participants' perception but also had a tangible impact on donations, suggesting a direct correlation between the acceptance of AI in religious settings and the financial support congregations are willing to offer (Jackson et al., 2023).

Moreover, the study investigates the broader implications of employing AI and robots in roles traditionally reserved for humans, particularly in conveying religious teachings and principles. Despite the technological marvel and the potential for innovation, the experiments underscore the importance of human connection and the inherent credibility attributed to human religious leaders. This is further evidenced by the decreased willingness among participants to share messages delivered by robot preachers or engage in supportive activities for the temple.

The research raises critical questions about the future role of AI in religious practices. While robots like Mindar and Pepper present a novel approach to disseminating religious teachings, their effectiveness is evidently hampered by their perceived lack of credibility and the consequential impact on donations. Jackson's work suggests that the human element in religious leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and faith commitment, aspects that are challenging to replicate with AI and robotics.