CCC 27-1_LR

NEWS & NOTES

CHRISTIANS OPPOSE USING AI FOR COUNSELING, SERMON PREP

Sixty-three percent of U.S. adults who are Christian, religious, or attend church say, “I have concerns about the ethical implications of AI technologies from my religious perspective.” Eighty-six percent report that human touch is better than AI regarding spiritual coun seling, and 84% involving mental health counseling. Regarding AI for writing sermons, 63% believe humans would do it better. However, they seem more open to churches utilizing AI for administrative duties (35%) and connecting with people online (40%). While Chris tians agree to accept AI to improve church operational efficiency, they continue to be protective regarding spiritual and relational matters. 1 LONELINESS HAS CONSEQUENCES Health insurer, Cigna, conducted a study that dis covered 43% of Americans “feel isolated,” 46% are “sometimes or always lonely,” and 47% “don’t have meaningful face-to-face interactions with others on a daily basis.” U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, said, “Disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. In fact, loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop mental health challenges in their lives, and lack of con nection can increase the risk of premature death to lev els comparable to smoking daily.” Being lonely makes a person more likely to experience other negative emo tions. People who experience loneliness are also twice as likely as those who do not to encounter worry (64% vs. 33%) and stress (60% vs. 30%). Additionally, they are two times more likely to present anger (43% vs. 17%) and physical pain (46% vs. 26%) and feel sadness at a

THESE TRENDS, FACTS, AND EMERGING REALITIES ARE INFLUENCING YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS’ WORLD TODAY!

34 Christian Counseling Connection