Ask the Rev: Am I Being Alarmist About Artificial Intelligence?
Dear Reverend,
Every day, I see news stories saying that artificial intelligence (AI) will bring an end to humanity. This fills me with deep fear about the future, and I can't stop worrying about it. Meanwhile, everyone I know uses AI to write emails and make silly pictures for social media. When I try to talk about the dangers of AI, people tell me that “it's just a tool.” Are we living through a science-fiction nightmare, or am I worrying too much?
Anna Log (woman, 37)
Dear Anna Log,
People have been afraid of new technology ever since they learned to control fire. In ancient Greece, Socrates argued that writing would harm people's ability to think and remember. In the 15th century, the printing press caused a similar wave of fear. From machines that weave cloth to large computers, people have always worried that machines would make humans useless. But we're still here.
AI does raise real concerns, including its effects on the environment and the possibility that it will take away people's jobs. But perhaps the scariest thing is how quickly it is developing. We have to trust that good people are guiding its development.
I've been uneasy about AI since virtual assistants such as Alexa first appeared. They've always given me the creeps. Recently, I watched The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who worries about AI. In the film, a filmmaker who is about to become a father interviews important people on both sides of the AI debate and reaches some interesting conclusions. I won't spoil the film for you, but by the end, you may feel a little better.
For now, you might want to take a break from the news. Scary headlines about robots taking over the world and destroying humanity are meant to grab people's attention, and they can make your anxiety worse. If you can't stop following the news, at least remember to consider AI's possible benefits as well as its dangers. These benefits could include new scientific discoveries and advances in medicine.
Even better, take a break from screens altogether. Spend time in nature, enjoy hands-on hobbies that don't involve technology, or connect with other people in person.
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
This article appears in The Tech Issue • 2026.