I am slowly developing a real inner conflict when it comes to artificial intelligence or AI. I have had mostly positive experiences with simple AI based tools. For example, different chat-bots have been of great assist to me when researching. As I approach my 52nd birthday, I’m starting to notice my ability to recall books, articles and authors is beginning to struggle. Chat-bots have been very helpful in those moments – type in a section of a book I remember, ask where its from and, most the time, I either get the work or an answer that helps me remember the title. So… AI good!
I also have had concerning experiences with AI like the post I offered a couple months ago where I created a fake Papal document with AI (for demonstration purposes only… please don’t call for my excommunication) on a free AI-bot. Granted, the document was riddle with theological errors and analogies that would never be used in professional theology, but what shook me was much of what AI created did sound like a papal document.
It made me wonder if, with time, we may find ourselves having to address a new era of fraudulent documents and statements not only claiming to be from the Pope, but from world leaders, cultural icons or military leaders. It doesn’t take much imagination to realize such statements could not only be misleading, but create a serious crisis. Given how things are being published on a digital formate more and more, it made me wonder if we will see the return of wax stamps to authenticate what a Pope says? So… AI bad… but I like the idea of going back to wax stamps!
Still, the most common use of AI I use in my daily life is artistic. I’ve started to use editing software that claims to use AI to enhance pictures. I can’t say with certainty that AI algorithms are being utilized in my editing software or if its just a sale’s pitch to sell a product. I do know that these software editing tools have dramatically shortened the time I spend editing pictures with much better results!
The picture to right was taken last evening. I had to run some errands and, given the new moon and good sky conditions, I threw my camera in the car in case I found a place to take a quick image. I did!! This is a 10-second exposure I took at a rest stop. The streaking lights are a car that went by as I was exposing for the Milky Way. One click of the AI tool and a couple minor tweaks… Presto! So… AI beautiful!
Now, I know that doesn’t address some of the biggest concerns of AI such as algorithms that will be able to do the jobs people do, hacking and privacy issues, intellectual property concerns in artistic fields or the most extreme fear that somehow AI will become self-sufficient and start destroying the human race.
I am no expert on AI so I can’t give a clear assessment of what of these concerns are founded. I do know that intellectual property issues are already surfacing, machines replacing the human workforce has been a growing issue since the Industrial Revolution and hacking/privacy issues are already a problem even before AI gained such steam. So, for these issues… there is reason to be concerned.
Will AI turn Morpheus’ conversation about AI with Neo from the movie The Matrix into a prophetic text? I’m a little more hesitant about that interpretation. These extreme fears remind me of how the cartoon The Jetsons made us all think we would be driving to work in little hovercraft/spaceships in the 21st century. Obviously, our tires are still firm on the ground despite groundbreaking advancements in travel. Will I be proven wrong with time? I hope not, but I have a sound reason for my gut’s resistance.
What is that sound reason for my gut’s resistance you may ask? One, simple question: How much of our fear of AI is based on a psychological reflection of how we see ourselves?
When I have asked AI-bots to offer commentary on the political divisiveness of the United States, the answers have all come back very tempered, balanced and sobering. I have yet to encounter an AI-bot response that makes me think that I am being manipulated or lied to by an algorithm. Could that change with time? Sure! After all, AI-bots are programed by fallen humans so it would make sense that our broken human nature will be reflected in responses over time.
Still, I wonder if at the heart of the extreme fears of AI – fears that at least for now seem a bit too far flung – could it be that AI awakens our subconscious realization of how broken we are and we transfer those fears on our relationship with technology and AI?
Do I know the answer to this question? No, as I mentioned earlier, I am neither a computer expert nor a technology ethicist. But I would emphasize that those who write these algorithms should consider moral implications of their work both personally and communally.
Still, of the many things that should concern us about AI, let us also be attentive to the fear that might not be based in AI at all, but reflect more of how we fear ourselves in our brokenness. Those fears have only one logical place to be put – in the hands of a loving God who can forgive us, heal us and teach us how to love as we should. We are not destined to be the slave of an algorithm. We are made for Glory as a beloved express of God’s love. We are made freely in the Trinitarian love of Father, Son and Spirit and called to share that love freely with each other as citizens of God’s Kingdom.
