We’re ‘finished’ if artificial intelligence is allowed to control humanity: Cleric

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor, says humanity is doomed if Artificial Intelligence (AI) is allowed to control human beings.

Mr Ezeokafor said this on Sunday at the Retreat and Conference Centre, Awka, to mark the 58th World Communications Week, which has the theme “Artificial intelligence and wisdom of the heart: for a fully human communication.”

World Communications Week, which runs from May 5 to May 12, is a vehicle for commenting on the growing urgency in the mass media to promote responsibility, transparency, and healthy values.

The bishop said artificial intelligence systems should be under man’s control as they were man-made systems that only output what humans have fed them.

“Artificial Intelligence systems are very good in themselves. They can help us do a lot, but if we do not care for them, they will take over humanity.

“Artificial Intelligence should be made to service humanity and not control or replace humanity or make human beings redundant because if they take over, we are finished, ” he said.

According to him, men and women should use modern and advanced technologies in such a manner that they are not made objects of what they have created.

Mr Ezeokafor lamented that many youths abuse technology by committing cyber crimes, internet fraud and online scams.

“It is sad that many of our youths use technology to perpetrate evil in society; they get involved in ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ or internet fraud.

“This is why parents must prioritise their children’s upbringing and spiritual development so they can connect with God and tame their animalistic tendencies,” he said.

On Father’s Day celebration, he urged fathers to be committed to their responsibilities and lead by example, to have a peaceful family and raise children who would care for them in old age.

(NAN)