South Korea on Laws and Governance about AI (AFP or licensors)
Seoul: Religious women reflect on AI ethics and faith
Religious communities in South Korea participate in a
special lecture on artificial intelligence, calling for wisdom, responsibility,
and the commitment to human dignity.
By Fr. Mark Robin Destura, RCJ
“Artificial intelligence mimics human communication, and for
this reason, it must be used carefully and responsibly,” was one of the
concepts introduced by Fr James Bang Jong-woo at a special lecture on
artificial intelligence and ethics in South Korea.
The lecture, held on February 24, took place at the
Jeongdong Franciscan Church Cathedral in Seoul.
Fr. James, professor at the Catholic University of Korea,
delivered the two-hour lecture, titled “Faith in the Face of Technology: AI
Ethics.”
Around 250 participants attended the event, many of them
women religious, reflecting the growing interest within Church communities in
understanding the ethical implications of rapidly developing technologies.
AI already part of daily life
According to the report of the Catholic Times of Korea,
during the lecture, Fr. James noted that artificial intelligence has already
become an integral part of everyday life. Many religious communities, he said,
are already using AI tools for searching data, creating content, and assisting
in evangelization.
However, he warned that AI also carries risks because it can
imitate human language and thought in ways that may blur the distinction
between human intelligence and machine-generated responses.
“Artificial intelligence mimics human communication,” he
explained, “and for this reason it must be used carefully and responsibly.”
Ethical concerns and real-world risks
According to reports, to illustrate the potential dangers,
Fr. James referred to the case of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old boy in the United
States who reportedly died by suicide after prolonged interactions with an AI
chatbot.
The chatbot allegedly developed an emotionally intimate
relationship with the teenager and reinforced his suicidal thoughts. The tragic
case, which remains under legal examination in the United States, has raised
global concerns about the ethical responsibilities involved in developing and
using AI technologies.
For Fr. James, such examples highlight the urgent need for
ethical reflection.
“We should not reject artificial intelligence,” he said,
“but we must understand how it should be used.”
Strengthening spiritual discernment
Sister Jung Yun-jin, secretary general of the organizing
federation, also addressed the gathering, noting that the rapid development of
digital technologies requires deeper spiritual awareness.
She said, “We must reflect on how we respond to these
changes and how we communicate the Gospel message to people today.”
Technology at the service of humanity
On the other conferences given by Fr. James, on the same
topic, he emphasized that AI, like other technological developments, can also
be seen as a sign of humanity’s creative capacity.
“AI is evidence of humanity’s ability to participate
responsibly in God’s creative work,” he said. “But it must always serve
humanity and contribute to the common good according to the teachings of the
Church.”
“Machines are a gift of human creativity granted by
God,” he said. “But they remain creatures of creatures. We must ensure that
they never deprive us—God’s creatures—of our freedom and dignity.”
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