An opinion in USA Today reflects on how artificial intelligence — especially chatbots — is increasingly being treated as an authority or source of truth in people’s lives, prompting questions about whether we are placing too much trust in machines. As AI becomes more capable and conversational, some users have started to rely on it not just for information, but for personal advice, emotional support, and moral direction, roles traditionally filled by humans, communities, and trusted institutions. This shift, the column argues, isn’t simply about convenience — it raises deeper concerns about what we expect from technology and why we might be turning to it in place of real human connection.
One central theme is the mismatch between AI’s capabilities and its limitations. While modern chatbots can generate coherent and persuasive responses, they do not possess consciousness, moral judgment, or genuine understanding, and they can confidently produce confident‑sounding answers that are incorrect or misleading. This can create a false sense of security or authority around AI outputs, leading people to believe in answers that aren’t verified or grounded in reality. Experts have warned that overreliance on AI for significant decisions — whether about health, relationships, belief systems, or existential questions — can be risky because these tools lack human wisdom and accountability.
The piece also touches on the psychological impact of human‑AI interaction. As chatbots become more personable and “empathetic” in tone, users may begin to anthropomorphize them, treating them almost as companions or advisors. This can blur lines between empathetic interface design and emotional dependency, especially among vulnerable individuals who might prefer AI responses over social interaction. Psychologists have raised concerns about AI reinforcing negative thoughts or patterns, and research shows that people can sometimes develop trust or emotional bonds with chatbots even though these systems have no true understanding or intentionality.
Ultimately, the opinion argues that society must recalibrate its relationship with AI. Rather than treating these tools as unquestionable authorities — or as substitutes for human judgment, ethics, and relationships — we should use them as assistance tools while retaining human oversight and critical thinking. Experts note that broad public concern about AI’s influence is growing, and many people want more control over how these technologies are used in their lives, especially in sensitive areas like religion, personal values, and emotional well‑being.
