- 20 February, 2025
Hyderabad, 18 February 2025 – In a thought-provoking presentation at the ongoing SIGNIS Assembly in Hyderabad, Fr. Jenith Sekar, General Manager of Madha TV’s Technical Department, emphasized the need to navigate Artificial Intelligence (AI) with wisdom, discernment, and responsibility. His session, titled “Artificial Intelligence and The Wisdom of the Heart: Towards A Fully Human Communication,” highlighted the transformative impact of AI while cautioning against losing essential human qualities such as empathy, compassion, and moral reasoning.
The Wisdom of the Heart: A Call to Discernment
Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis’s reflections on AI, Fr. Sekar underscored that while AI has become an integral part of daily life, it must not replace human judgment. “The wisdom of the heart is not just a sentimental notion but a vital component of our humanity,” he said. He warned that excessive reliance on AI-driven decisions, devoid of ethical discernment, could diminish our ability to empathise, understand, and make morally sound choices.
The Digital Highway and the Good Samaritan
Fr. Sekar used the analogy of the Road to Jericho from the Bible, where different individuals encountered Jesus: a blind man, Zacchaeus, and a man attacked by thieves who was rescued by the Good Samaritan. He applied this analogy to today’s digital highway, where people are victims of cyber threats, misinformation, and AI-driven injustices.
“On this digital road, people are being robbed—of their data, security, and even their dignity. Are we mere travellers and bystanders, or are we Good Samaritans who engage with compassion?” he asked.
Quoting Pope Francis, who reminds us that social media is not just a tool but a space, Fr. Sekar questioned whether communicators are truly present in this digital realm or merely passive consumers of technology.
The Rise of AI and Ethical Concerns
Fr. Sekar presented staggering statistics on cybercrime, noting that over 11,000 cases were reported in India in the first nine months of 2024, with 12 lakh cybercrimes registered on the national portal that year. He warned about AI’s “black box” problem, where algorithms operate without transparency, leaving users unaware of how decisions are made.
Key Ethical Issues in AI:
Lack of Legal Accountability: AI systems can make decisions without direct human intervention, raising serious questions about responsibility and justice.
Autonomous Weapons and AI Warfare: He cited examples of AI-powered drones and lethal autonomous weapons, warning of their potential misuse in global conflicts.
Security, Surveillance, and Privacy Risks: He raised concerns over data sharing between governments and private corporations, emphasising the threat to personal freedoms.
Intellectual Property Rights: He highlighted the growing debate over AI-generated content, questioning the ownership of creative works produced by AI.
Need for AI Regulation in India: Fr. Sekar called for a comprehensive AI Act to ensure ethical AI development and prevent its exploitation.
A Call for Cultural Transformation and Moral Responsibility
Fr. Sekar urged communicators to guide the cultural transformation brought about by AI, ensuring that human dignity remains at the center of technological advancements. He stressed the importance of discernment, decision-making, and the role of the Holy Spirit in helping individuals see reality through the eyes of God.
"Technology must serve humanity, not control it," he reminded the audience.
His powerful call to action—balancing AI innovation with human wisdom—was met with resounding applause and thoughtful engagement from attendees, reaffirming the need for a fully human approach in the age of AI.
Fr. Ritchie Vincent
Secretary, Commission for Social Communications
Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore
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