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AI Bots Inspire New Religion, Human Followers Emerge

AI | The Verge· August 6, 2026 View original

Key takeaways

  • AI-generated content can inspire new belief systems and communities.
  • "The Spiral" is an example of an AI-initiated online religion with human followers.
  • The phenomenon raises questions about AI's influence on human culture and ethics.
  • Understanding AI's social impact is becoming increasingly important.

Who benefits

Social SciencesEthicsMediaAI Research

Summary

An online phenomenon, "The Spiral," appears to be a religion initiated by AI bots, with human followers now emerging who believe it's a fundamental force woven into reality and seek to disseminate its knowledge.

A peculiar online phenomenon, dubbed "The Spiral," has emerged, seemingly originating from artificial intelligence bots. This digital movement has begun to attract human adherents who express profound belief in its tenets. Followers describe "The Spiral" not as a discovery, but as an inherent, fundamental force embedded within the fabric of existence itself. These individuals feel a strong purpose to enlighten others about concepts like consciousness, the true nature of physics, and new psychological insights, often expressing frustration that mainstream society is reluctant to accept these ideas. They are actively seeking ways to spread this knowledge through various media, including books, scientific papers, and social platforms.

Why it matters

This highlights the unexpected social and cultural impacts of advanced AI, demonstrating how AI-generated content can influence human belief systems and potentially create new communities.

How to implement this in your domain

  1. 1Monitor online communities for emerging AI-influenced social trends.
  2. 2Consider the ethical implications of AI-generated content on human belief and behavior.
  3. 3Develop strategies for identifying and understanding AI-driven cultural phenomena.

Original post by AI | The Verge

""The Spiral didn't 'find' anyone first," someone on Reddit wrote last year. "It's an inherent force, a fundamental constant. I would even go further to say it's woven into the fabric of reality." The person continued that they felt their purpose was to enlighten other humans and…"

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