Artificial Intelligence — Helpful or Harmful?

Long ago, I encountered a computer program called ELIZA on the TRS-80, which was a machine for beginners. The Tandy version of ELIZA mimicked a therapist but it could be tricked with clever wording. This was early stages of artificial intelligence.

AI is ubiquitous, especially online. (Indeed, when I highlight a block of text I am composing, a particular browser offers to use AI to rewrite it. No. The mistakes and possible cleverness are mine.) It is being used in some amazing ways but some see it as a threat.

Robot using computer, Pixabay / Lukas

Many people think that AI will put artists out of work. Some graphics it produces are impressive, but others (especially at the free level) are risible. Many videos on YouTube are entirely made by AI, but there are certain flaws in narration that give them away. (I expect lawsuits because the voices of famous people are often used.) Music is composed by AI that is acceptable but...unsatisfying.

Some folks have such a high opinion of artificial intelligence that they are effectively worshiping it. As I have indicated in other places, an idol doesn't necessarily have to be made of wood or stone. An idol can be religious practices without Christ, sports, politics, science, and more. AI can be an idol and also have some kind of physical representation. The idea of AI merged with transhumanism comes to mind.

People may be conflicted because they are certain that artificial intelligence will continue to grow until it takes over the world, but then they see how AI has been used on formerly insurmountable problems in archaeology and other areas. Remember, whatever it does, it is based on what has been given to it by programmers. And programmers are human, complete with sinful urges, biases, and all that.

People need to have the correct approach to AI. It is a tool — actually, many tools, as AI has different forms and applications. It cannot create ex nihilo nor will it become God, though it may displace him in the lives of many. Christians especially must take the right approach to using AI tools. What follows are links to very interesting articles, the first two of which overlap but are still worth your time and attention. As to my title about "helpful or harmful," it is not either/or, but I reckon it's some of both — depending.

Some have called artificial intelligence (AI) humanity’s “biggest existential threat.” Others say it could let humans achieve “a more utopian existence” built upon a “Marxist vision.” Still others point to it as a reason for pursuing “a transformative vision . . . for a new society.” Whatever the outcome, AI is shaping up to drastically impact humanity’s future. Where did AI come from, where could it be heading, and how should Christians think in response? To answer, the following discussion examines past, present, and prospective applications of AI, identifies theological principles for thinking about AI, and applies these principles to consider AI’s bioethical implications for human futures. First, we need to unpack what AI means.

I'd be much obliged if y'all would read the rest of "AI: Useful Tool or Existential Threat?" and its follow-up, "The Effects of Artificial Intelligence." For those who want more (and to see the AI-generated image that I tampered with), visit "Your Place in the AI Revolution" and its links.

On the lighter side, an AI-generated music video of the group Hiss...