Why Chinese youth embrace AI for fortune-telling despite critics labelling it a ‘scam’

Fortune-telling has become an appealing escape for youth, helping them navigate mounting pressures of education, career and relationships

Chinese youth are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for fortune-telling, discovering that AI models are cheaper, faster, and equally effective compared to traditional human soothsayers.

On a popular Chinese social media platform, the hashtag #deepseeksuanming, or DeepSeek fortune-telling, has amassed over 55 million views. DeepSeek is a family of Chinese AI models launched in 2023.

Many users report that AI fortune-telling has seamlessly integrated into their daily routines. They typically inquire about their career prospects and love lives – questions they would traditionally pose to a human fortune-teller.

Unlike their human counterparts, AI models can effortlessly switch between various systems, including the Purple Star System, a form of Chinese astrology that interprets a person’s life based on their birth time, Western Tarot cards and techniques such as palm and face reading from photographs.

The AI models generate virtual card layouts and provide interpretations based on users’ questions.

Some users willingly pay for AI fortune-telling services. One individual paid 60 yuan (US$9) for a fortune-telling app that provides AI-generated insights and unlocks a comprehensive report.

Another user invested 90 yuan in a “smart” mobile phone grip, equipped with a built-in chip. By touching the grip to the phone, a well-designed page appears, displaying the user’s daily fortune along with practical advice on how to approach the day.

According to the product description, the readings blend “oriental philosophy and AI interpretation,” aiming to offer “positive” suggestions.