🌟 HABPT vs. The Garland Test — A Simple Guide to Caring for People in an AI World
🧭 A New Era Needs New Wisdom
Back in 1950, Alan Turing proposed what became known as the Turing Test — a simple question:
If a machine can talk so much like a human that you can’t tell the difference, does that mean it’s intelligent?
For decades, that question shaped the way we think about artificial intelligence.
But today, AI isn’t just answering questions.
It can tell stories, offer comfort, simulate empathy, and respond emotionally.
And yet — we still don’t have a clear, modern framework to help us think through the ethical and emotional impact of AI in real people’s lives. For example:
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How does AI affect mental and emotional health?
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What happens when people begin to rely on AI for comfort?
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Where should healthy boundaries exist?
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How do developers design wisely and responsibly?
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How should counselors support clients who interact deeply with AI?
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How do families, churches, and communities guide people well?
The Turing Test was about intelligence.
Today, the deeper concern is impact.
That’s where conversations about things like the Garland Test and HABPT begin — and where Forward Arrow humbly steps in to help.
🎭 What Is the Garland Test?
The Garland Test looks at whether AI can make people feel emotions the same way a great performer or storyteller can.
Think of an actor or musician who can make you laugh, cry, or feel deeply connected.
The Garland Test asks:
“Can AI do that too?”
So this test is about emotional impact —
how touching, moving, or comforting AI can be.
That’s an incredible milestone…
…but emotions are powerful.
And when something shapes emotions, it also shapes how people think, relate, hope, trust, and respond.
So we approach all of this with wisdom and care for real human lives.
🛡️ What Is HABPT?
HABPT stands for:
Human–AI Boundary Protection Test
And it is being developed by Forward Arrow — not as a system of control, but as a compassionate, faith-aware framework to help people stay mentally and emotionally healthy while interacting with AI.
Instead of asking how emotional AI can become,
HABPT asks:
“Are people staying emotionally and mentally healthy when they interact with AI?”
HABPT supports:
❤️ emotional health
🧠 mental clarity
🚦 healthy boundaries
👤 real-world identity
⚖️ dignity and trust
It is not anti-technology.
It is not replacing faith.
It is not about fear.
It is about loving people well — and noticing when technology begins to blur emotional or relational boundaries.
Because humans aren’t products or data.
We are people with value, purpose, story, and soul.
And for those of us who follow Jesus —
we believe He is the true healer and protector of the heart.
HABPT is simply an effort to practice wise stewardship in a changing world.
⚖️ The Key Difference
Here’s the simple contrast:
🎬 The Garland Test:
“AI can make people feel strong emotions.”
🕊 HABPT (by Forward Arrow):
“Let’s make sure AI doesn’t harm or confuse the people God loves.”
One measures capability.
The other supports wisdom and care.
Both matter —
but HABPT asks:
“How do we care for people well in the middle of technological change?”
🌱 Why HABPT Matters
As AI becomes more relational and emotionally responsive, some people may:
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seek emotional comfort from AI instead of real relationships
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develop reliance or attachment
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experience blurred identity or expectations
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struggle silently with AI-shaped emotions
HABPT is not the Savior —
Jesus is.
But HABPT can help remind us that:
✔ humans come first
✔ relationships matter
✔ wise boundaries protect wellbeing
✔ technology must never replace human connection or faith
This is discernment — not fear.
🤝 HABPT Is Still Being Developed — And You’re Invited
Forward Arrow is developing HABPT in conversation with:
• technologists
• mental health professionals
• faith and ethics leaders
• creators
• educators
• researchers
• and everyday people
Because AI is no longer just a technical issue.
It’s a human one.
And human dignity deserves careful, compassionate attention.
🎯 Final Thought
The Turing Test helped us ask whether machines could act like people.
The Garland Test asks whether AI can stir emotions like art and performance.
And HABPT — developed by Forward Arrow — exists to ask:
How do we care for the hearts and minds of real people in this new world?
With humility.
With compassion.
With wisdom.
With faith.
Because technology will continue to advance…
…but people will always matter more.
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