Human psychics add 'no AI' clauses as chatbots flood divination market

Practitioners warn that AI lacks the empathy and human connection central to psychic work. Lauryn Kellett, an intuitive coach, notes that the industry has historically battled scams, and AI exacerbates this by allowing computer-generated readings to be passed off as human. She has shifted her teaching to help clients distinguish between real practitioners and bots, encouraging video proof of identity. Critics argue that relying on LLMs for guidance may worsen mental health issues, as these models lack cultural context and can amplify paranoia in vulnerable users.

Companies like MystiCall use AI to lower barriers to access, claiming they do not train models on user data. However, transparency remains low; many apps do not disclose their AI providers or data handling practices. Anthropologists suggest that using LLMs for divination is a modern iteration of oracular consultation, where users project meaning onto statistical outputs rather than receiving metaphysical insight.