A TikTok account named Daily Believer has gained popularity by featuring an artificial intelligence-generated version of Jesus Christ delivering daily blessings and sermons.
With a synthetic voice and a visually distinct appearance, the AI Jesus has garnered nearly a million followers. However, the content has sparked controversy, with some experts suggesting that the sermons contain thinly veiled threats of damnation, raising concerns about the use of religious figures for online engagement.
AI Jesus on TikTok: Appearance and Messages
The AI Jesus on Daily Believer features a generative depiction that some users have likened to characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jared Leto, or a Hemsworth brother. The account shares daily messages, including Bible verses, promises of good fortune, and calls for viewers to share the videos. Some messages are interpreted as warnings or threats related to denial and damnation.
Expert Opinion and Criticism
University of Iowa religious studies professor Brandon Dean has expressed concern about the AI Jesus content, describing it as a thinly veiled threat of damnation for those who do not share the messages. Dean suggests that the account might be created for financial profit, citing potential earnings through TikTok’s creator fund, which compensates video creators based on views. The expert draws parallels between the AI Jesus content and historical instances of using religious figures for online clout.
Monetary Incentives and Engagement Tactics
Dean points out the potential monetary benefits associated with engaging content, with every thousand plays earning creators a few cents. He highlights the similarity between the AI Jesus content and chain letters, suggesting that the goal may be to increase online popularity and engagement. While some viewers appreciate the messages, others raise ethical concerns about the use of religious themes for financial gain on social media platforms.
Conclusion and Online Engagement
The AI Jesus content on TikTok has generated mixed reactions, with some praising the messages and others expressing skepticism about the motivations behind the account. The use of artificial intelligence to generate religious content raises questions about the intersection of technology, faith, and online engagement, highlighting the evolving landscape of digital platforms and their impact on religious expression.