{
  "id": 9656223,
  "title": "Are religions getting redundant in the modern world?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/are-religions-getting-redundant-in-the-modern-world",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-24T23:45:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/are-religions-getting-redundant-in-the-modern-world/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The world is currently experiencing rapid technological advancement, with smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) becoming ubiquitous. There are approximately 8.1 billion mobile phones and 7.4 billion active smartphones globally, with most people owning at least one device. The field of AI has seen significant progress, with the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in 2020 sparking a frenzy among technology firms, particularly in the United States and China. However, concerns are mounting over AI's potential to pose an existential threat to humanity due to its rapid development and the lack of regulation.\n\nAs technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it may blur the lines between reality and artificial creation. AI-generated videos and other media are becoming increasingly sophisticated, raising questions about authenticity and the role of AI in society. While some AI tools are widely used, more advanced tools like ChatGPT have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of life, from writing articles to creating music.\n\nDespite the growing influence of AI, religion continues to play a significant role in human society. Religion, like AI, is a creation of the human mind, evolving and adapting over time to explain and navigate the complexities of the world. The oldest religion, Hinduism, with its roots tracing back thousands of years, still maintains a significant following despite the emergence of monotheistic religions. Religion, in essence, is a shared set of beliefs and practices that provide structure and meaning to individuals and communities.\n\nWhile AI and technology may offer new opportunities and conveniences, they also pose potential risks to humanity. As AI developers push the boundaries of innovation, ethical concerns and the potential for existential threats cannot be ignored. Some leaders, such as President Trump and Tony Blair, have expressed discomfort with slowing down AI development, while others, like King Charles, have advocated for caution and responsible progress.\n\nReligion, on the other hand, remains an integral part of human existence, providing solace, social values, and a sense of purpose. As we move forward in an increasingly tech-driven world, the relationship between AI and religion may evolve, with some religions adapting to incorporate technological advancements. However, it is unlikely that religion will become completely redundant in the face of technological progress, as it continues to hold a significant place in human culture and spirituality.",
  "summary": "by Dr Upul Wijayawardhana We are living in an era of astonishingly rapid scientific advancement. From the time Apple launched the ‘iPhone’ in January 2007, the first targeting the mass market, smartphones have taken over the world, making them indispensable. According to the latest statistics, there are around 8.1 billion mobile phones with 7.4 billion […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}