Some headlines just make you sigh—like this one: “Majority of Gen Z would marry an AI, survey says.” Even just 10 years ago, we would never have thought such a headline possible.
But yes, according to a recent survey, 80% of today’s twentysomethings would consider “marrying” artificial intelligence, and slightly more believe they could form “a deep emotional bond” with one of these chatbots.
Now, at first glance, this just seems silly or maybe like a sad reaction to the loneliness, anxiety, and depression that so many young people feel and that keeps them from forming deep relationships or even being willing to leave their homes. But I think it points to something deeper—a rejection of God’s design.
You see, God’s design for marriage—one man and one woman for life—involves self-sacrifice, hard work, patience, forgiveness, and not always having everything your own way. In a fallen world, marriage can be difficult, messy, disappointing, and heartbreaking. An “easy” way to avoid all this is for your companion to be always there for you, perfectly amiable, always positive, always supportive, and always saying the right thing. And all that can be found in an AI bot.
Temporarily, that might fill a hole in someone’s life. But God didn’t design us for companionship with a robot. If that were the case, when Adam was alone, God could’ve just created an AI, rather than a woman! Eventually, AI will lose its appeal, and people will long for a real human connection. And if they find one, will they be satisfied with it after the ease and lack of sacrifice required to be “friends” with an AI? I guess time will tell how this will impact Gen Z and Gen Alpha (but I’m going out on a limb to say it won’t be good! Indeed, some groups are already saying these bots aren’t safe for those under 18 years of age).
God’s design is best. Don’t settle for the counterfeits the world offers you. I’ve said over and over again that this ministry would not be where it is today without the sacrifice and support of Mally, my wife of 53 years this December. She has challenged me when I was wrong, counseled me with her wisdom when I needed it, and encouraged me during difficult valleys (we have faced many of those!)—I promise an AI could never have done these things.
Proverbs 31:10 reads, “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
I guarantee that will never be the case with an AI companion!
Yes, God’s design—given to us in Genesis—is the best!
