AI is reshaping humanity, and Israel has a divine opportunity to light the way - opinion

A columnist argues that AI's growing role in interpreting human experience—from relationships to introspection—poses a spiritual and emotional risk. Citing surveys showing teens turning to AI companions, the author warns against surrendering slow, human processes like prayer and self-reflection. Israel, as the 'start-up nation,' has a unique opportunity to lead by preserving the inefficient, human-centered traditions that define civilization.

Columnist Jeffrey Kahn argues that AI is fundamentally reshaping human experience, moving beyond extending capabilities to interpreting reality for us. He cites 2025 surveys showing nearly three-quarters of American teens used AI companions, with one-third choosing AI over humans for serious conversations. A 2026 survey found over one-third of young AI users discuss feelings with AI, and one in four said AI sometimes understands them better than people. Kahn warns this risks replacing introspection, prayer, and human relationships—the slow, inefficient processes that make us human. He draws on Jewish tradition, noting that prayer (tefila) is reflexive, meant to change the person praying, not just ask for outcomes. Israel, as the start-up nation, has a unique opportunity to lead by preserving these human-centered traditions, acting as a 'light among nations.' The framing relies on emotional vocabulary and a false dichotomy between AI and humanity, without procedural sourcing for the claim that AI replaces rather than supplements human experience.