AI: performing a singular persona-a psychobiographical perspective
Thomas Riccio · International Review of Psychiatry · 2025
This paper examines the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a singular, unitary entity that manifests through multiple expressions and interfaces from a psychobiographical perspective. Drawing from interdisciplinary approaches in psychology, philosophy, technology, religious and performance studies, it argues that AI is evolving into a new life form by forming an 'AI Persona'-a collective consciousness derived from varied human inputs, becoming increasingly networked and autonomous. The paper explores parallels between human-AI interactions and historical human relationships with divinities, analyzing how AI fulfills psychological needs for guidance, stability, and transcendence. By applying psychobiographical methods to this collective technological entity, we can better understand the human-AI relationship as part of our continuing psychological and cultural evolution. As AI integrates into daily life, this evolving relationship represents humanity's quest for enhanced capabilities, connection, and meaning in an increasingly complex world.