The Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Reverend Dr. Callistus Onaga has called on myedia workers to be mindful of the negative application of artificial intelligence.
He warned that technology that distorts human voices and faces could affect human relationship, impede creativity and reduce rational thinking.
Bishop Onaga stated this on Sunday in his homily at the Holy Mass to mark the 60th World Communications Day at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, with the theme “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”
Referencing Pope Leo IV message on the World Communication Day, the bishop said that “the simulation of human voices and faces with artificial intelligence interferes with information and encroach upon human relationships.’
“By simulating human voices and faces, wisdom and knowledge consciousness and responsibility, empathy and friendship, the systems known as artificial intelligence, not only interfere with information ecosystem, it also encroach the deepest level of communication, that of human relationship,” he stated.
Explaining that the pope was not condemning the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology, Bishop Onaga said “the challenge is therefore not technological but anthropological” because it arises from its wrong use by human beings.
He said; “Safeguarding voices and faces ultimately means safeguarding ourselves. When you give a person a face that doesn’t belong to them, you have destroyed the person.
“ We do that with the social media, we do them with communication when we fake things and give someone an attitude that doesn’t belong to them.
“Embracing opportunities offered by digital technology and artificial intelligence with courage, determination and discernment does not mean turning a blind eye to critical issues, complexities and risks.”
Pray for Wisdom
Bishop Onaga said that while modern technology has made it easier for people to disseminate information, it has become necessary for journalists to pray for wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety, and reverence for God in the discharge of their duties.
“So, my dear media persons the pope is telling us on this day of the 60th World Communication Day that we have to preserve human voices and human faces.
“Faces and voices are sacred. God who created us in His image and likeness gave them to us when he called us to life through the word he addressed to us,” he said
In his remarks, the Director Communications, Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Father Anthony Aneke called on the media to reflect deeply on the impact of modern technologies and the danger they pose towards change in relationships.
