Source: NBC News

NBC News explores the growing phenomenon of tech leaders, developers, and commentators in Silicon Valley using religious, spiritual, and often messianic language to describe artificial intelligence. The article analyzes how terms like "superintelligence," "the singularity," "oracle," and even allusions to creating a god-like entity have become commonplace in the discourse surrounding advanced AI. This framing, the report suggests, is more than just metaphorical; it shapes public perception, influences investment, and frames the ethical debates around the technology's development.

The article delves into the potential reasons behind this trend, from a genuine sense of awe at the technology's capabilities to a strategic effort to create hype and a sense of inevitability around AI's trajectory. It also highlights the concerns of ethicists and sociologists, who warn that imbuing a technology with quasi-religious qualities can obscure critical analysis of its real-world risks, such as bias, accountability, and control. By framing AI in these ultimate terms, the discussion can shift from practical governance and regulation to abstract, philosophical debates, potentially leading to a less cautious and more deferential approach to its deployment.