Artificial Intelligence and Our Minds - Beware of Inputs (Prov 23:7 and Rom 12:2)

AI is Like Our Brains - Inputs Determine the Outputs

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made a significant impact in headlines, particularly within the education field, over the last few years, since ChatGPT became public, and many other versions have followed suit. As higher education continues to deal with the impact of its use by students, I have been forced to consider the implications of its use. Many jobs will utilize various versions of AI to be more efficient and effective in their roles.  It reminds me of how technology has changed over the years and has been integrated into every aspect of our lives.

As we begin interacting with AI, ethical implications and concerns arise. The age-old science fiction movies of computers taking over the world seem even more plausible in our future, with these learning machines acting more and more like the human brain.  However, we must remember that these various AI models may mimic emotions or human speech, but they do not possess feelings or a sense of consciousness. They do not have a soul or the spirit of God breathed into them (Gen 2:7). These AI models can be trained to emulate human characteristics, but just as humans are imperfect and have biases, so too are the models trained by them. 

As we consider our brains and learning or thinking, I am reminded of the similarity of problematic inputs or thoughts (training of the mind).  Proverbs 23:7 reminds us that our thought life directs our actions, it is the concept that “we are what we think!”  What we continue to ruminate on determines our plans. Often, people focus on visualizing themselves doing jobs or goals that they want to accomplish. It makes it more real and encourages them to be motivated to work towards the goal. It brings hope.  But what happens when these thoughts become darker and the opposite of hope? After the COVID years of isolation and fears of the pandemic, despair and suicide became more of a problem.

Just as AI has issues with bias and hallucinations (creating references and information that does not exist but is made up to please the requester), so too can our minds when we input worldly ideas and concepts. Our minds can be corrupted to ignore what the Holy Spirit may be guiding us to do today. The other voices in our minds drown out the still small voice from the Holy Spirit, who is attempting to lead us to walk in our Godly purpose and on paths of righteousness. He speaks, but are our minds receptive to respond?

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God - what is good and well-pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2, ESV).”

The Bible reminds us that we need to renew our minds. Reading God’s Word and participating in Christian fellowship and worship help us to reframe our minds and be ready to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting.   Remembering God’s Word and the times He has helped us in the past, encourages us to courageously respond and step out in faith! Are you prepared?  Are you ready to do something amazing with God?