Artificial intelligence can do a lot of things, it can write code, it can do your work, and apparently, it can now also impersonate God. A new app has been going viral on social media, called Just Like Me, that can let you talk to Jesus Christ, for a nominal fee of $1.99 (roughly Rs 188) per minute.
But how does this work? And how did AI even become Jesus in the first place? Here is everything you need to know about this new talk-to-god service.
Pay Rs 188 and talk to Jesus
Just Like Me is an app that allows users to talk to AI avatars, ranging from spiritual gurus to even US President Donald Trump. The Jesus avatar works like every other character present on the website. On the platform, it is mentioned as “Jesus (With Love by AI)”
On the Jesus page, you see warm golden light coming on to the shoulder-length hair, as the avatar blinks slowly with a smile on its face.
Just Like Me CEO Chris Breed told Associated Press that the avatar is visually inspired by actor Jonathan Roumie from “The Chosen” series. The AI itself has been trained on the King James Bible and sermons.
And the Jesus page on the website claims that it can help you “Overcome anxiety, fear” or let you “find your identity and self-worth” Users can freely talk to this AI avatar of Jesus, and in return get advice or emotional support.
Breed believes that an AI Jesus may bring the same emotions out of humans as they would feel while praying in a church. He said, “You do feel a little accountable to the AI,” He added. “They’re your friend. You’ve made an attachment.”
How does this work?
The process is quite simple. You create your account on the platform, and then you get the option to either voice call or video call Jesus Christ. The website also says that you get 2 free minutes of conversation with the AI god figure.
However, do note that you will need to first enter your card details before starting the session.
When India Today Tech created a profile on the platform, we were offered a 3-day free trial with a package of $49.99 (roughly Rs 4,659) for every 60 minutes after the trial ended. This would bring the per minute cost of talking to Jesus Christ’s AI avatar to mere Rs 77.
Not just Jesus
Jesus Christ is not the only spiritual figure to have his AI avatar available online. There has been a rise in similar faith-based AI characters, such as Hindu or Buddhist gurus who provide spiritual support to users.
Another website called ChatwithGod gives a simple chatting interface, with users getting the option to customise the chatbot based on their religion and mood.
But this has sparked controversy, Jeanne Lim, founder of beingAI, has delayed releasing Emi Jido, an AI Buddhist priest, to ensure the bot is properly trained with values. Previously, Kyoto University developed BuddhaBot, trained on early Buddhist scriptures, and Buddharoid, a humanoid robot monk.
