How scrolling becomes a religious act
a year ago
- #AI
- #Social Media
- #Religion
- Silicon Valley's reverence for AI mirrors religious worship, with figures like Ray Kurzweil and Marc Andreessen promoting AI as a deity.
- Religion and AI both serve to simplify complex realities, with AI's complexity leading to its personification as an all-knowing entity.
- People often treat 'the algorithm' with a micro-religious attitude, attributing its actions to mysterious, divine-like forces.
- Social media engagement mimics religious rituals, with scrolling likened to prayer and collective participation creating a sense of belonging.
- Collective effervescence in social media fosters sacred symbols, similar to religious communities, reinforcing group identity and participation.
- While these rituals are not inherently harmful, awareness is crucial to prevent manipulation and loss of individuality.