Value-Sensitive AI for Prayer: Balancing the Agencies Between Human and AI Agents in Spiritual Context
Researchers found AI can diminish authenticity in prayer when it guides too much.
Researchers Soonho Kwon, Dong Whi Yoo, Shaowen Bardzell, and Younah Kang from KAIST and Indiana University conducted a study on AI in spiritual contexts, specifically prayer. They designed four conceptual value-sensitive AI systems based on key values and practices identified through a diary study. These designs were presented to participants via speculative design workbooks, provoking reflection on how AI might shape praying experiences.
The study found that a sense of authenticity—feeling a genuine connection to the divine—is a crucial value, and AI undermined this when it assumed too much agency, like guiding prayers. The authors argue that AI systems for deeply value-laden experiences should preserve user agency, maintain interpretive openness, leverage AI's inexplicability for personal meaning-making, and recognize non-use of AI as a legitimate design choice.
- Four conceptual AI systems were designed to assist prayer, based on a diary study of praying practices.
- Participants felt AI diminished authenticity when it guided prayers, highlighting the value of user agency.
- The study recommends preserving interpretive openness and allowing non-use of AI in spiritual contexts.
Why It Matters
This study sets design principles for AI in deeply personal domains, balancing assistance with human agency.