The Age of Artificial Intelligence

When I came to write this to you, my computer asked me if I wanted AI to write it for me.

 

Artificial intelligence is taking over much of what we do online, even things that used to be sacred like our words and how we use them. Much of what people write these days would have been called "plagiarism" a few years ago. We are seeing a huge shift in what we accept as "creativity" among the human race.

That's not the only issue coming to light, however. AI is now becoming what people turn to for answers, and not just simple, factual answers. Interfaces like ChatGPT, Gemini, Alexis, and Siri are becoming the "go to" for any question that pops up in minds and hearts. I've read so many stories lately of robots becoming "companions", "friends", and even "lovers." People are looking for answers, and they are getting the ones that they want from software programs that are designed to make more money the more they are used.

When you ask a question of any of these interfaces on the computer, you can't take it back. A log has begun of things about you. AI is learning you...who you are, what you like/dislike, what you believe, what you fear, what you feel. This information affects future information that it will feed you. It's built to make you love it and keep coming back for more.

And here's the deal. There's nothing wrong with using the knowledge and information available out there for certain purposes in our lives. If we all keep our heads and are intentional, using this new technology as a tool, it can benefit society. No doubt. My concern is that we are getting casual and comfortable with AI, treating it as if it were a living being rather than a software program.

And here's the great difference. God created humans. He made us in His own image. We are able to carry His Spirit. We hear from Him. We were designed to live, move, and have our being in Him. All the knowledge and information in the world is no substitute for that. But it is like tempting fruit to us, just as it was to Adam and Eve. We want to know as much as God. We want to be our own God.

Now, more than ever, it is imperative for us to take things to the Lord first. If you are calling on a robot more than you are calling on the Holy Spirit, it might be time to intentionally make a change. We need to be the example to our children that the Bible has more answers than any computer could ever hope to have. There is no substitute for Truth in love through the Holy Spirit within us.

I'm convinced that the day of the Lord's return is close. Maybe that's optimistic thinking, but I'm keeping my eyes to the sky. The safe place is in Christ. He is our refuge from the current and coming confusion. He is our wisdom and direction as we navigate a world where technology use is required. He is our peace as we wonder what all this means. He is a present Help in the age of artificial intelligence.

Photo by Tianyi Ma on Unsplash