Pope Leo: ‘Artificial Intelligence Amplifies’ False Information Problem

EXCERPT:

POPE LEO XIV: “Today, in particular, we possess the means to connect people and continents instantaneously. Yet, at the same time, we are witnessing new forms of isolation, material and spiritual poverty and abandonment. Communication has become much faster, but not necessarily more truthful. Information is abundant, but that is not synonymous with wisdom. Without a shared ethical foundation, the many channels of communication risk multiplying false information, giving currency two words devoid of meaning, thereby hindering dialogue, rather than fostering it. Artificial intelligence amplifies this problem. Although such systems can correlate data, they cannot answer questions that concern the meaning of human life, which is rooted in lived experience. Human beings cannot live without meaning. Meaning is the oxygen of the mind. For this reason, the challenges of communication, which are always challenges of education as well, make the search for truth, a matter of social justice and historical equity. That is why education in this area is essential, and I welcome UNESCO's initiative through it’s media and information literacy program, which promotes the responsible use of media and digital tools."