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Children in the Era of AI (Part One)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsHas there ever been a world like the one today, with its innovative advances in technology such as artificial intelligence (AI)? The media consistently reports on stories about what's new and what's in the future of AI, including self-driving cars, virtual assistants, and robotic housekeepers. The impact on the global economy could contribute as much as 20 trillion dollars by 2030, yet 30% of jobs today may be eliminated by then as AI replaces humans or makes their jobs obsolete. We are on the cusp of a world that is going to change unlike anything we have seen before. A concerning AI scenario involves privacy in the home, exemplified by Mattel's Aristotle, a device powered by artificial intelligence that was designed to comfort, entertain, teach, and assist children. Critics found it creepy, as it could collect information from a child in the bedroom and upload it to the cloud, raising significant privacy concerns among parents, pediatricians, and politicians. Although Mattel scrapped plans to sell Aristotle, the concept persists, as AI-powered devices are already in homes, with more on the way. Intelligent personal assistants like Google's Home, Microsoft's Cortana, and Amazon's Echo, run by its AI system Alexa, use artificial intelligence to engage family members in conversations. These devices can provide entertainment for children, tell jokes, play games, keep track of time, play music, and answer endless questions. However, privacy concerns remain, as both Alexa and Google Home are always listening to conversations, recording them upon hearing a trigger word, and uploading them to the cloud to improve their understanding. While companies claim users can delete these recordings, doubts linger about the true extent of privacy protection. The interaction of AI with children raises questions about its impact on their brains, learning, and information processing. Studies indicate a potential loss in the ability to do deep reading and a decline in learning as AI becomes more integrated into daily life. Parents must remain vigilant about the influences AI devices may have on their children, as these technologies continue to evolve and shape interactions in unforeseen ways.
Children in the Era of AI (Part Two)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsAs AI toys befriend children, parents should be alarmed about the values these virtual assistants are teaching them. AI has officially become a religion.
The Rise of AI
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWith each new development of AI, God's people must exercise caution, realizing that access to truth will be in short supply, requiring vigilance and guarding.
A Matter of Trust
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityArtificial intelligence is now a reality. How will it affect society? AI could be used to deceive, so Christians must be wary, knowing whom they trust.
Man's Greatest Creation?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickThe current focus on fusing human brains with computerized intelligence threatens to put applied science on a collision course with God's plan for mankind.
Human's Replacement
Sermonette by Bill OnisickA robot has been developed with self-awareness and able to recombine knowledge, providing an artificial intelligence which could make humans obsolete.
You Will Become Like God!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsWe have been promised a dazzling future as indestructible Spirit beings. Nothing we could fashion with our hands or minds could compare with that.
Remember the Luddites!
Commentary by Joseph B. BaitySome accept any innovation without calculating the damage it might bring to the culture, while others find it difficult to accept any technological changes.
What's Your Source?
Commentary by David C. GrabbeNo matter how finely tuned is one's baloney detector, wrong-headed thinking etches wrong concepts into minds around the world, even in the church of God.
Censorship and Political Correctness
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe algorithm in Microsoft's new AI-based software enables it to find 'offensive' and 'insensitive' usages and suggest post-modern replacements.
Tangible Money is on Life Support!
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsMoney created virtually, encouraging the something-for-nothing mentality, as well as gambling, following the way of selfishness, violates God's way.
Conscientiousness
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityWe are obligated to be conscientious and diligent in whatever work is placed before us, guided by our conscience and influenced by God's Spirit.
Handwriting Is On The Wall (2019)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThose espousing transhumanism aspire to correct the 'glitches' of human imperfection through gene splicing, replacing 'inferior' organs with synthetic ones.
What a Time to be Alive
Sermonette by Ryan McClureIn a world rapidly turning into something mysteriously new, focus on the one thing that does not change: God and His truth.
Avoiding the Ruts of Our Carnal Mind
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Bill OnisickIf we could see the traffic of our perpetually wandering minds, we would be embarrassed as to how often it strays from God's thoughts and His laws.
Are You Living An Illusion?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsReligious narcissists, who identify with the servant who received ten talents, cherry-pick Scripture to enhance their self-love and support their views.