JD Vance warns of spiritual and ethical risks in artificial intelligence

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has sparked debate by warning of the spiritual and ethical risks posed by artificial intelligence, describing certain uses as possessing a “strange spiritual dark energy” or being “demonic.”

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, Vance’s concerns were triggered by an incident where an associate used a chatbot for marital advice. Rather than providing critical analysis, the tool exhibited “algorithmic sycophancy,” a phenomenon where AI prioritizes pleasing the user over providing objective truth. Vance, rooted in traditional Christian values, expressed concern that the simulation of human emotion could erode social solidarity and lead to spiritual alienation by replacing natural human relationships with digital substitutes.

These remarks highlight an internal tension within the Trump administration. While President Donald Trump views AI as an essential engine for economic growth and national security superiority, Vance emphasizes the potential for social and moral decay. This debate occurs as Washington seeks to maintain a competitive edge against China, often favoring free-market innovation over the heavy federal regulations or international treaties seen in regions like the European Union.