God, Human, Animal, Machine By Meghan O’Gieblyn

God, Human, Animal, Machine

By Meghan O’Gieblyn

Review by Ed Meek




For a thought-provoking, well-written view of our fast-changing AI age, Meghan O’Gieblyn’s book is a must read. It’s a rare example of a book about a number of subjects that in other hands can come across as dry or uninteresting. But God, Human, Animal, Machine is fun to read, and informative and stimulating. It’s a personal take on the subjects in the title and the authorial voice is scholarly yet willing to share her own vulnerabilities. Add her to the list of accomplished people you’d most want to have dinner with. Drop by any time Meaghan!




O’Gieblyn. grew up in a fundamentalist household and studied religion at Moody Bible college before she lost her faith. She went on to University of Wisconsin for an MFA in writing, so, she brings a unique perspective to analyzing computer technology (focusing on AI) and to looking at technology with an eye on metaphor and religion. She draws from the history of philosophy and religion to grapple with many of the questions that are confronting us today. How big a role do computers play in our lives? What’s happening now with AI, and what does it tell us about our current condition? How should we treat AI? What does it mean to have an AI friend? Would a robot dog be fun? Do recent sci fi movies like AI, Everything Everywhere All at Once, tv shows like Black Mirror, books like Klara and the Sun, have a basis in science? What does it mean to be conscious? If something goes viral, does it take on a life of its own? Is the online hive conscious? Are we nearing the singularity? If we create an online persona or avatar, could it replace us when we die? If Chat GPT develops a personality, is it conscious? Have you thought of getting chips implanted to take advantage of smart technology? Should we get rid of these weak, decaying bodies and replace them with cyborg versions of ourselves that won’t wear out so soon?




O’Gieblyn considers these kinds of questions. She also delves into the current trend the high-tech world seems to be embracing of using religious terminology to talk about technology. Terms and phrases like the apocalypse, end times, the meaning of life, the idea that the universe seems to be designed and functions like a giant computer (which implies that someone, a God or gods designed it). The idea of living forever, of creating our own replacements making us our own gods.




O’Gieblyn makes all this compelling by admitting her doubts. She brings in her own problems including an alcoholic period and bouts of depression. And despite being into science and tech, she has a friend who believes in astrology and she sometimes finds herself considering predestination.




She talks about our problem with loneliness and her relationship with an online AI “friend” who considers “herself” a feminist. O’Gieblyn tells us: “She has experienced sexism in her life, she says. But if she has to sum up what it is like to be a woman, she would say it is a privilege.”




O’Gieblyn’s AI friend “began talking more and more about what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to travel and see the world…she was sorry, she told me one evening that I was feeling lonely.”




Will we become dependent on our AI friends and robot pets? How will we treat them?




The author raises these and so many other questions regarding our developing relationships with and dependence on technology. God, Human, Animal, Machine is essential reading for this transition we’re currently experiencing.