ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is controversial. Many see the promises and perils of AI. Will AI save the world or destroy the world? Like the industrial progress from the introduction of the printing press, electricity, cars and airplanes, AI brings the excitement of technological advancement and the anxiety of the unknown future. Yet, both good and bad effects depend on the intent of the developers and users. If you are beneficiaries of medical research that cures illnesses, a corporation that has achieved increased revenues and production because of efficiency, a farmer who increased production due to predictability of weather, or an entrepreneur who quickly developed your creative website, branding and marketing strategy from available data, then there is much to be thankful for.
However, AI could disrupt your life and cause brokenness. If you were laid off, replaced by AI algorithm or mechanical robots, and lost your financial security, then depression can set it. If you are a parent whose children are dependent on their gadgets and have lost touch of relationships with you and their friends, this is alarming. If you are a single or a married person and have relegated friendship or romantic relationships with a chatbot or robot, you are treading on a path of isolation from humans and eventually God. If you are a victim of deepfakes that were intended to harm your reputation by an adversary, then you are up against a tedious legal battle.
For a better understanding of AI, the current Artificial Narrow Intelligence is designed to perform specific tasks and make predictions used in face recognition, Siri, GPS and others. However, it is rapidly advancing to Artificial General Intelligence that will perform intellectual and reasoning human tasks. Potential applications are algorithms in robots that will be adaptive, autonomous and learning from their actions. The next progression is Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), which is still in early development. ASI is designed to surpass human intelligence in solving problems and creativity; develop emotions, desires and beliefs of their own; and understand emotions and respond in a human-like manner. Developers predict that a functioning ASI could be possible in 2030 or the next decade.
Many believe that worldwide AI developers are motivated by wealth, power and greed.
Nevertheless, others are hopeful that the ethical problems arising can be halted by policies created by worldwide governments. Furthermore, concerned nongovernment organizations advocate humane and benevolent guardrails to halt risks and address ethical, social and environmental problems that threaten human flourishing.
One major problem is dysfunctional human relationships. Center for Humane Technology co-founder Tristan Harris discussed the AI-driven attention and the attachment economies. (https://centerforhumanetechnology.substack.com/p/the-attachment-economy-is-here-were) “Social media was our first mass experiment with AI, and it created the attention economy, leaving us with a loneliness epidemic, rising political polarization and fractured attention spans. Now we’re running the same experiment with something far more dangerous: AI companions able to hack the attachment system that shapes our identity and bonds us to others... This is when people begin preferring intimate relationships with machines over humans: confiding in chatbots instead of friends, seeking validation from AI instead of loved ones, turning to algorithms instead of parents.” Additionally. I believe that attachment economy threatens a meaningful relationship with God and with others. By shifting these relations to algorithms and machines, God becomes nonexistent. The utopia of developing a submissive and nonjudgmental human relationship will devoid us of reciprocity, growth and true love.
You may be broken with dysfunctional relationships, failed careers or loss of financial security from AI disruptions. But there is hope! In Charles Stanley’s book “Finding God’s Blessings in Brokenness,” he explains that God allows brokenness to discipline out of love and bring out the best in us (Proverbs 3:11-12). Brokenness refines rough spots in our character and reveals unknown spiritual gifts for spiritual maturity and service. Becoming whole requires harmony of body, soul and spirit. Nonetheless, everything we do in physical, mental and emotional realms has a spiritual dimension. God’s purpose is for us to have an intimate, loving and trusting relationship with Him. Rebellious response to God’s discipline will just make us bitter instead of better.
We are all broken, just to different degrees and causes. In healing from my brokenness, I realized that our sovereign God desires to heal our pain, replace our loneliness with meaningful relationships and give our lives purpose. God pours out His mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness and unconditional love to the broken. I understood God’s promises are true, His methods and timetable are His own, and His provision is complete. Transformed with Christlike humility, I experienced peace with forgiveness. I felt unspeakable joy, unshakable hope and a new zest in life knowing that God is in control.
Rosario Calderon holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School. She is an entrepreneur, author, and investor in business, education, technological innovation and global Christian missions.
