Artificial intelligence is capable of various tasks, including coding and assisting with work. A trending app named Just Like Me is gaining popularity on social media for allowing users to engage in conversations with a virtual representation of Jesus Christ for a fee of $1.99 per minute.
The app features different AI avatars, from spiritual leaders to political figures like US President Donald Trump. The Jesus avatar, labeled as “Jesus (With Love by AI)” on the platform, displays a serene image with warm golden light illuminating its shoulder-length hair.
CEO Chris Breed mentioned that the visual inspiration for the AI Jesus avatar comes from actor Jonathan Roumie from “The Chosen” series. The AI itself is trained on content from the King James Bible and sermons to provide advice and emotional support to users.
Users can interact freely with the AI Jesus, seeking guidance on various topics such as overcoming anxiety and finding self-worth. Breed believes that engaging with an AI representation of Jesus can evoke similar emotions as praying in a church, fostering a sense of accountability and friendship with the virtual character.
To utilize the service, users need to create an account on the platform and choose between voice or video calls with Jesus Christ. The website offers a 3-day free trial, followed by a paid package at $49.99 for 60 minutes, reducing the cost per minute of conversing with the AI Jesus avatar to approximately Rs 77.
Apart from Jesus Christ, other AI avatars of spiritual figures like Hindu or Buddhist gurus are also available online, offering spiritual support to users. Platforms like ChatwithGod provide customizable chatbot options based on users’ religious preferences and moods.
Controversy surrounds the development of AI characters representing religious figures, with concerns about ensuring proper training and adherence to values. Various initiatives, such as Emi Jido by beingAI and BuddhaBot by Kyoto University, aim to provide ethical and spiritually aligned AI interactions.
In conclusion, the rise of AI-powered religious avatars raises discussions on the intersection of technology, spirituality, and ethics, prompting considerations about the impact of virtual interactions on faith and belief systems.