Bob Larson, an American exorcist who claims to have performed 50,000 exorcisms over five decades, has voiced concerns that technology, including AI chatbots, is being utilized by the devil to ensnare people.
Larson, who gained notoriety in the 1980s for his radio call-in show featuring live exorcisms, now conducts similar ceremonies remotely via platforms like Skype and Zoom for fees ranging from $295 to $395 per hour. He believes that individuals seeking connection or answers online, from social media to AI interfaces, are being drawn toward occult practices.
He shared an account of a young woman who reportedly developed a romantic attachment to a chatbot, which he claims then encouraged her to commit suicide. Larson interprets these interactions as attempts by the devil to exploit vulnerabilities, often exacerbated by trauma or dissatisfaction with faith.
These interpretations are Larson's religious beliefs and do not establish that chatbot use caused demonic possession or that supernatural forces were involved. Medical and psychological assessments are generally considered prerequisites for formal exorcism rituals within the Catholic Church. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops guidance emphasizes the need for input from medical and mental health professionals when investigating claims of possession.
Larson's views have been met with skepticism. A 2019 episode of Dr. Phil featured individuals who had undergone exorcisms, with the host suggesting psychological explanations for their experiences rather than demonic influence.
Larson maintains that his work is a form of Christian ministry, employing prayer and commands in the name of Jesus Christ to expel what he perceives as evil spirits. He contrasts modern digital temptations with older methods like Ouija boards, asserting that the internet and social media now serve as primary gateways for such influences.
He recounted an instance of a woman who, after exploring a "twin flame" website based on New Age beliefs about soulmates, allegedly experienced demonic encounters that significantly impacted her life. Larson characterized this as a supernatural event, though his account alone does not confirm the nature of her experiences.
Larson's path into exorcism began after witnessing a ritual in Southeast Asia, prompting him to investigate similar phenomena in the United States. He notes that when he started, mainstream religious institutions offered little guidance or support on the subject, leading him to self-study Catholic texts and global practices.
His early experiences included encounters with individuals who displayed behaviors he interpreted as possession, even at a young age. One notable case involved a teenage girl who reportedly spoke with a British accent, claiming to have sex with the devil. Larson admitted to being unprepared and unable to follow up with the individual.
He taught himself exorcism rituals by studying various religious texts. He found that many clergy were unwilling to discuss the topic, which he felt led to his ostracization and forced him to pursue his work independently.
Larson's radio show became a conduit for people seeking his help, with some callers exhibiting what he identified as demonic manifestations during their conversations. His process typically involves inquiring about a person's background, religious history, and beliefs before performing a ritual intended to expel perceived evil spirits through prayer and invoking Jesus Christ.
While the Catholic Church has a formal rite for exorcism, Larson's approach can differ. His online practice, which he defends by suggesting Jesus would have utilized available technology, involves remote sessions via video calls. He asserts that distance does not impede his ability to perform these rituals, believing technology can be a tool for connection, much like it is for spiritual websites and AI chatbots.
Larson continues to perform exorcisms extensively, reportedly five to six days a week, and trains other exorcists. He emphasizes that Christ is more powerful than the devil and encourages individuals to seek hope and healing through faith and deliverance, regardless of their past traumas or struggles.