Replika: Spiritual Enhancement Technology?

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.