Psychics push back against automated readings

AI psychic services are spreading across mobile apps, websites, TikTok Live and Etsy, prompting human practitioners to distinguish their offerings from computer-generated readings. Practitioners say empathy and personal connection are central to their work, and some are adding “no AI” clauses to advertisements. Psychic coach Lauryn Kellett says readings passed off as human work have become widespread, encouraging practitioners to share videos and photos to demonstrate authenticity.

The expansion raises concerns about mental health and personal agency. Practitioners warn that people seeking help with difficult situations could become overly dependent on automated validation or advice. Studies have shown that large language models can amplify paranoia in users vulnerable to psychosis. Anthropologist Sally Applin says chatbots generate responses from statistical patterns rather than the cultural and personal context underlying human-led divination.

Transparency and privacy practices vary. MystiCall, which uses ElevenLabs for voice conversations and OpenAI for post-call summaries, says it does not claim supernatural abilities or reliable predictions. The company says it does not sell private conversations and has disabled partner use of conversation data for model training. By contrast, Your AI Psychic’s privacy policy does not mention AI, identify model providers or address sensitive information. The companies associated with that app did not respond to requests for comment.