I read a troubling statistic recently. While plenty of teenagers goof around with AI companions, one-third of teens use a chatbot as a replacement for human conversation about serious matters. Many teens find these bots appealing due to their constant availability (they never sleep) and lack of judgmental attitudes.

Contrast this practice with Paul’s encouragement to the believers in Galatia: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Is there a more pertinent command for our society in all of Scripture?

People live in ever-increasing isolation, in self-contained bubbles where an online avatar substitutes for relationships with living people. Small wonder suicides rates have climbed since the advent of smart phones. What do we do about it? Bear one another’s burdens.

An AI chatbot won’t carry your load. An algorithm won’t draw you in for a much needed hug or offer you a heartfelt prayer. We need real people. We need each other.

Encourage connection wherever possible. Promote going to church, where living, breathing people sing and learn and talk and pray and visit. This ancient practice holds tremendous promise for today’s ills. Gather with like-minded believers—our fellow burden-bearers.

Look around, say hello to people, ask if that person needs help with their groceries. Offer to pray for your restaurant server (my wife does this). Provide human connection. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Bear someone’s burden, and you’ll soon find someone bearing yours as well.

Galatians 6:2

Photo by kuu akura