Sex, AI, and the Apocalypse

In September 2026, Jacob Coxon resigned from Anthropic, one of the leading AI labs in the United States, citing concerns about the potential for AI to end human existence within a decade. His resignation letter gained widespread attention, with more than a hundred million views within a single day. Anthropic's senior researcher Evan Hubinger echoed Coxon's concerns, stating that the company's own odds of an AI catastrophe occurring in the next decade were around one in ten.

Following Coxon's resignation, over two dozen members of Congress called for action, while Elon Musk, who is also developing his own AI lab, dismissed the warnings as a "psy-op." Mainstream news outlets quickly jumped on the story, reporting on the growing alarm surrounding AI safety.

The warnings about the end of humanity come from a specific online subculture that emerged over the past twenty-five years. This community, often described as a fandom with dorky literary preferences, has become influential within the technology industry. Its members, who include writers, safety researchers, and philanthropists, shape the discourse around "AI safety" and contribute to the development of AI technology.

In December 2025, nearly five hundred people gathered in Berkeley for a ceremony called the Secular Solstice, which aimed to contemplate the possible end of humanity. The event featured live music, liturgical readings, and a somber acknowledgment that the group may not survive. The organizer, Raymond Arnold, a web developer, game designer, and musician, described the event as a way to create cultural technology for a community dedicated to rationality and the possibility of extinction.

Arnold's efforts to build this community and its rituals have been met with a range of reactions. Some have praised his efforts, while others have criticized the subculture for its potentially coercive psychological workshops and its ties to controversial figures and activities. Despite the controversy, Arnold remains committed to his role as "village priest," attempting to provide a sense of purpose and community for believers in the face of the looming threat of AI.