Is Artificial Intelligence a Blessing... or a CURSE?

In today's fast-paced world, technology is everywhere, and with it comes both incredible opportunities and significant risks. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has frequently taught about navigating these complexities, offering a gospel-centered perspective on modern innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasizes that technology itself is neither good nor evil; its moral value depends entirely on how we use it.

The Dangers of Modern Technology

Elder Bednar warns that technology has the potential to become a spiritual stumbling block if we are not careful. One of his key concerns is that it can obscure our true identity as children of God, distracting us from eternal truths and righteous work. Overreliance on AI, for example, could lead to spiritual slothfulness, where we avoid the work required for personal revelation and growth, such as prayer and diligent scripture study. He cautions against allowing technology to entice us to become "objects to be acted upon" rather than agents who act for ourselves.

A powerful question Elder Bednar asks is: "Does the time you spend using various technologies and media enlarge or restrict your capacity to live, to love, and to serve in meaningful ways?" This question serves as a personal guide to help us evaluate whether our technology use is a blessing or a curse in our lives.

The Blessings of Modern Technology

On the other hand, Elder Bednar teaches that technology can be a powerful tool for good, capable of advancing the Lord's work in unprecedented ways. He encourages us to "embrace these inspired tools" and not to "fear technology." AI, in particular, has the potential to enhance communication, accelerate learning, and foster creativity. It can be a great resource for gathering information, improving our writing, and supplementing our study. Elder Bednar highlights that modern innovations, from the printing press to the internet, are part of the Lord's plan to help gather Israel and share the gospel with the world.

The key, he teaches, is to use technology with discernment, guided by the Holy Ghost. We must use it to promote righteous values, strengthen relationships, and build up the kingdom of God. Ultimately, while technology can assist us in our spiritual journey, it can never replace the divine guidance we receive through the Holy Ghost.

You can learn more about Elder Bednar's teachings on technology and AI by watching a video discussing his devotional.

This video provides an excellent summary of Elder Bednar's teachings on the potential blessings and dangers of AI.