By Fr Mark Robin Destura, RCJ
SOUTH KOREA – “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 Feb 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.” – Vatican News
