# AI as modern oracles

> Chatbots answer life's hard questions like ancient oracles.
- Title: AI as modern oracles · The Conversation | Shortify
- Summary: Chatbots answer life's hard questions like ancient oracles. AI systems now provide answers to complex human dilemmas, mirroring historical practices of…
- Keywords: chatbots, oracles, divination, ancient greece, delphic oracle, prophecy, religion, science, ideas, modern, The Conversation
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/chatbots-as-oracles-how-ai-is-giving-new-life-to-the-ancient-practice-of-seeking-answers-from-inscrutable-sources-289279
- Author: Ambuj Tewari
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chatbots, ai, oracles, divination, ancient greece, delphic oracle, prophecy, religion, science, ideas
## People turn to AI for advice
A 2026 Pew report found 10% of Americans use chatbots for emotional support.
## Chatbots seek answers
49% of ChatGPT conversations involve users seeking information or advice.
## Ask Delphi queries
Ask Delphi received 3 million ethical questions in weeks.
## Delphi's ancient roots
Delphi named after Greek oracle who gave answers through trance states.
## Oracles across history
Ram Shalaka and Christian bibliomancy use randomness to generate answers.
## AI's black box
Chatbots' computations are inscrutable even with publicly available weights.
## Spiritual bliss attractor
Claude 4 produced spiritual discussions without explicit training.
## Why AI feels oracular
AI answers complex questions when human judgment reaches its limits.
## Key takeaway

AI systems now provide answers to complex human dilemmas, mirroring historical practices of seeking guidance from inscrutable sources.