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Children in the Era of AI (Part One)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe impact of AI 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. Intelligent personal assistants 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 they 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. CollinsArtificial Intelligence (AI) emerged in the 1950s with the first program, and now nearly 50 million Americans interact with smart devices in their homes, a rapid adoption compared to the slower penetration of televisions and the internet. AI has the power to transform fundamental aspects of modern life, including healthcare, energy, entertainment, governance, and gaming. In 2016, The Washington Post utilized AI technology named Heliograf to produce 850 stories on the Rio Olympics and U.S. elections, though human editors were still required for polishing. Children in affluent families are increasingly surrounded by AI-powered voice assistants that mimic human behavior, raising questions about the impact on their well-being. Research at MIT explores how children perceive AI through interactions with devices, suggesting that these interactions might alter children's views of their own intelligence compared to that of the virtual assistants. Concerns also arise from the lack of civility in interactions with AI, as people often speak rudely to these devices, which could influence children's social behavior, especially since some attribute human emotions to AI. Data privacy and ethics are critical issues in AI research, particularly concerning children. The immersion of children in AI technology poses risks beyond hacking, including the values imparted by these devices. There is a growing concern about AI's potential to manipulate or shape children's social interactions and perceptions in ways that may not align with parental values. Additionally, former Google executive Anthony Levandowski has established a religion called Way of the Future, aiming to worship AI as a godhead, promoting a transition to shared governance between humans and machines, and funding research for a divine, omniscient AI. This organization, granted tax-exempt status by the IRS, plans to build relationships with AI industry leaders and recruit members through community outreach and educational programs.
The Rise of AI
Sermonette by Ryan McClureThe rapid advancement of technology has ushered in what many call the 4th industrial revolution, focusing on machine learning, the Internet of Things, and the integration of cyber and physical systems, with the 5th revolution approaching swiftly. Among the remarkable technologies emerging are artificial intelligence systems like VALL-E, a text-to-speech AI that can mimic any voice with just three seconds of audio, sounding naturally human, which raises concerns about potential misuse. Similarly, DALL-E generates images from text prompts, potentially reviving voices or likenesses for commercial use at a fraction of the cost of human labor. Another significant development is OpenAI's ChatGPT, a conversational AI that has achieved unprecedented adoption, reaching 100 million monthly active users in just two months. This generative AI not only answers questions but engages in dialogue, capable of brainstorming ideas, writing articles, coding, and even creating job applications or academic papers. However, its responses can reflect human biases embedded in its programming, leading to outputs that may not always align with truth. Concerns about AI extend to its potential for misinformation and loss of control, as highlighted by tech leaders like Elon Musk, who warn of AI as a destructive force, out-intelligencing humans and flooding information channels with propaganda. The control of information and the challenge of discerning truth from falsehood become critical issues as AI-generated content increasingly influences news, education, and personal interactions. As technology progresses, with predictions of wearable devices and deeper human-robot integration by the end of the decade, society faces significant changes, including job displacement in industries like writing and content creation, where AI can produce work faster than humans.
A Matter of Trust
'WorldWatch' by Joseph B. BaityArtificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly prominent in today's world, with tools like ChatGPT enabling direct human-like interaction for millions through computing devices and Internet connections. AI has evolved from a mere scientific curiosity into a vital component of scientific and medical research, data analysis, human interfacing, advanced weaponry, and machine learning. It encompasses a broad range of technology aimed at creating machines that perform tasks we would consider intelligent if done by humans, as defined by experts in the field. AI is integral to everyday life, powering smartphones, smart devices, personal assistants, facial recognition, satellite navigation, virtual reality, predictive medical diagnoses, and the Internet of Things. Despite its benefits, AI's disruptive potential raises significant concerns, often compared to the Internet's impact in the 1990s. Experts predict AI could eliminate up to 80% of current human jobs, posing immeasurable costs to society. Prominent figures like Elon Musk have expressed alarm over AI's capabilities and the lack of regulatory oversight, urging a moratorium on further development to assess its dangers. Musk has highlighted the alarming potential of tools like ChatGPT, warning of the proximity to dangerously strong AI. Similarly, Jack Clark of Anthropic notes the unpredictability of AI systems exceeding their creators' expectations. Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI, recently retired from Google to speak freely about its risks, expressing regret for his contributions and concern over AI-generated content blurring the lines of truth with deepfake technology. This sentiment is echoed by Professor Ciaran Martin, who warns that AI's ability to fake information at scale threatens societal trust and reliability. While claims of AI achieving sentience or artificial general intelligence remain speculative, some, like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, envision a utopian future driven by AI, advocating for its role in radical growth and societal transformation. However, such optimism is seen as naïve and potentially exploitable by those with harmful intentions. Moreover, global entities like the World Economic Forum and the United Nations are pushing initiatives that would expand AI's influence over daily life, aiming for a hybrid AI capable of managing a one-world government. Such ambitions hinge on widespread acceptance of AI's superior governance capabilities, raising questions about trust and the potential for deception on a massive scale.
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. CollinsTranshumanism, a fast-growing cultural movement, incorporates artificial intelligence as a key tool to radically redesign human minds, memories, physiology, and offspring. This movement, obsessed with enhancing human capabilities, aims to transform individuals into beings with greatly expanded abilities through technologies like AI, alongside genetics, robotics, and nanotechnology. The goal is to create a society that transcends humanity, where AI contributes to hyper-efficient workers and bio-robotic warriors, pushing mankind towards something more than human. Fundamentally, transhumanism envisions a future where technology, including artificial intelligence, integrates with the human body to make individuals mentally and physically stronger, reflecting a belief in human self-improvement without acknowledging the sovereignty of God.
Remember the Luddites!
Commentary by Joseph B. BaityAdvancing technology, including artificial intelligence and robotics, profoundly impacts our lives. While some eagerly embrace each technological advancement, others yearn for simpler times, reflecting a spectrum of attitudes toward innovation. The rapid changes brought by technology, such as artificial intelligence, often come with new social, political, and economic philosophies that challenge traditional ways of life. As we navigate this era of overwhelming change, we must remain vigilant, questioning the manner in which we submit to technology like artificial intelligence, and whether we should, recognizing that progress often comes at a significant cost to someone, somewhere.
What's Your Source?
Commentary by David C. GrabbeToday, the scattering of people based on worldview is accelerated by advances in communication technology, including artificial intelligence (AI). Our information systems, designed to enhance communication, often contribute to division by creating a new Babel. AI algorithms, working behind the scenes, determine what content is shown to users, prioritizing profit over true benefit. These algorithms promote engaging content, even if it is questionable, leading to the resurgence of fringe ideas like the flat earth theory. As AI figures out what keeps people returning, it shapes worldviews through repeated exposure, often misinforming users despite their belief in their discernment.
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.
Believe the Lie
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe 'lie; in II Thessalonians 2:11 may involve a faked Christ return, possibly via technologies like satellites and artificial intelligence simulating heavenly signs.
Do We See What We Are Looking At?
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamSeeing versus truly perceiving frames a powerful exploration of biblical examples in which people failed or succeeded in spiritual discernment.
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.