3 Sneaky Ways AI Is Damaging Marriages

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1. Using AI as a Personal Therapist

It’s inevitable that every couple at some point will face issues and need wisdom and direction in order to move forward. After all, marriage is brought together by two messy and broken individuals who bring their own sin into a relationship, so it’s bound to cause some strife and conjure up conflict. Not only that, but we live in a fallen world that makes tough issues naturally emerge and allows the enemy to weasel his way in.

Here, the door opens for AI to come to the rescue and offer sage advice, or to extend unbiblical messages that can really cause confusion and deepen the divide. From seemingly simple and “innocent” questions that spot a toxic spouse to a chat that leads to a looming diagnosis that a relationship is doomed with little to no hope. It all starts with a question that demands an answer, but it can offer concerning advice and bring unnecessary tension into even a healthy marriage.

Communication between husband and wife is key, and seeking support when marriage gets rocky is crucial. However, it must be sought out in a manner that benefits a holy matrimony. When a marriage is in need of biblical wisdom and real guidance, it cannot be found in something that is “unhuman.” That’s because it will never fully understand the complexities and nuances of human relations, especially those God brought together for a divine purpose (Matthew 19:6).

If your marriage is suffering from a deep-rooted betrayal or just in need of a loving jolt, AI will never be able to replace the wisdom of our God and the truth found in His Word. God wants us to come to Him first. But He also intended for us to do this life together and lovingly support one another (Thessalonians 5:11). There is so much we can gain from the counsel of a professional counselor or the blessings of a sweet and trusted friend. Remember that iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and we were designed to seek faith-filled advice so that we can grow in every area of our lives, including our marriages.

2. Gaining Emotional Support from AI

Many marital problems stem from emotional traumas, patterns, or past hurts. Eventually, if these emotional issues aren’t tended to and cared for in a timely manner, they can cause deep wounds that carry significant pain, eventually festering bitterness and harboring resentment.

While AI may be a resource we can use to help understand the nature and complexities of emotional and mental health issues (such as grief, anxiety, depression, etc.), it does not (nor can it) fully understand nor respond in a personal and meaningful way. At least, not in the way that our souls desperately crave.

When a marriage needs emotional CPR and is earnestly seeking wisdom on how to find hope and healing, AI may be able to bring clarity to certain topics, but it should not be the sole method by which we gather emotional support. This is where the line can get really hazy and even become an unhealthy addiction. When the conversations take place behind a screen and slowly dissipate between spouses, this emotional disconnect can cause grave consequences.

This is why meeting our spouses’ emotional needs is so invaluable. Sure, it takes a delicate balance of compassion and understanding, but it is vital to connection. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us that our words are powerful and can bring healing when we address our loved ones with humility and sincerity. Let us not become jaded to the idea that a screen will offer us the emotional support we need, but rather practice the intentionality of leaning on one another for support and serving one another in love (Ephesians 4:9-12).

3. Allowing AI to Replace Real Intimacy

Lastly, we can not fail to mention the fact that God’s design for intimacy comes with a purpose to rejoice in a sacred love, fulfill one another’s sexual needs, and grow His kingdom. Yet, many times, when a marriage lacks this connection and special intimacy, one or both partners feel lonely and lost. The harsh reality is that a marriage without intimacy has a rather bleak outcome and opens the door for the enemy to bring lustful temptations.

The sad truth is that there has been a massive surge of AI pornography and online promiscuity in recent years. As many couples face dissonance and are not getting their needs met in the confines of a healthy marriage, the option of seeking artificial intimacy is growing at an exponential rate (Read more about the stats and research at the Institute of Family Studies).

As believers, we must seek to know and understand how God views marriage, sex, and intimacy. Genesis 2:24 tells us that when a man and woman are joined together under God, they become “one flesh.” 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 reminds us that the husband and wife should freely give over their bodies in pleasure and enjoyment for one another. The Song of Solomon offers a beautiful depiction of this love exchange. Hebrews 13:4 proclaims that marriage should be honored and kept pure; God will judge the sexually immoral. God is telling us throughout His Word that intimacy in a marriage should be embraced wholeheartedly, but must come with boundaries to keep it safe.

O God, I lift up faithful married couples to You and ask for a hedge of protection to be placed around these sacred unions. Please protect them both from the schemes of the enemy, including the masterminds of an ever-changing world that encompasses technology and AI. Help every married couple create safe boundaries that will allow them to not be swayed by the temptations of AI but rather find ways to use it to honor You and their marriage. We humbly ask that You help us grow and flourish in our marriages with meaningful and effective communication, by extending understanding and compassion, and selflessly offering pure, honest intimacy. Breath hope and healing into us as we strive to love our spouse in a way that reflects Christ. Amen.

Related:

5 Dangers of Forming a Parasocial Relationship with AI

4 Powerful Prayers for a Troubled Marriage

6 Ways Satan Sneaks into Your Marriage

Related Resource: The Dangers of AI (Artificial Intimacy) in Relationships

Today, we’re talking about a different kind of AI: not artificial intelligence but “artificial intimacy.” Why do some people settle for inauthentic, shallow relationships instead of real ones? Drawing parallels between the impact of inauthenticity in relationships and the lack of uniqueness in AI-generated articles, I explained the irreplaceable value of genuine human connection.

People choose not to embrace authenticity in their relationships for many reasons, including the fear of rejection. I share four keys to creating real, intimate relationships as we debunk the notion that artificial intimacy can ever substitute for the real, deep connections we all yearn for. If this episode helps your marriage, be sure to follow The Rebuilding Us Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!