Chatbots as oracles: How AI is giving new life to the ancient practice of seeking answers from inscrutable sources

Human beings have always turned to oracles and divination for answers to difficult questions. Today, AI might be fulfilling that role.

By: Webb Keane, University of Michigan and Ambuj Tewari, University of Michigan, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 29, 2026

Words: 1,207

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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By Webb Keane, University of Michigan and Ambuj Tewari, University of Michigan

People are increasingly turning to AI for advice. A 2026 Pew report found that 10% of Americans are using chatbots for emotional support or companionship. Some even find a charismatic leader in AI.

More broadly, a large-scale study of 1.1 million ChatGPT conversations found that 49% of the messages involved users seeking “information or advice” to help them be “better …

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