How tarot readers are using AI – and what it says about our growing reliance on chatbots for emotional support and advice

The article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a modern “oracle” for people seeking guidance in tricky situations, akin to traditional practices like astrology and tarot.
A growing number of tarot readers are using AI to assist in their interpretations, raising concerns about emotional dependence on the technology over more traditional human-led practices.
The mainstreaming of occult practices like tarot has surged, particularly among Gen Z, and this trend is intersecting with the growing use of AI, creating new ways to interpret and seek guidance.
In the study, many tarot readers found AI useful for self-reflection, allowing them to sidestep the complexity of interpreting multiple cards, but they also voiced criticism regarding AI’s sycophantic nature potentially undermining individuals’ intuition and reasoning.
Some tarot readers use AI to check their own biases, employing it as a tool for critical engagement rather than allowing it to be the final say in their interpretations.
AI is increasingly used across different professions for guidance, yet there are risks of users becoming overly dependent and forming delusions through reliance on these systems.
The article suggests that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance self-reflection rather than an all-knowing source of truth, promoting active engagement in the process of finding answers rather than passive reliance.

How tarot readers are using AI – and what it says about our growing reliance on chatbots for emotional support and advice | Nation