Unchecked artificial intelligence risks hijacking human consciousness, warns BAPS monk
New Delhi, Oct 23 (IANS): Artificial intelligence (AI) is not just another new technology. It could completely change human life, including how people think, act and form relationships, said Brahmavihari Swami, a monk from BAPS.
Brahmavihari Swami was speaking at the NDTV World Summit during a session called Beyond Intelligence: AI, Faith and the Meaning of Being Human. He said AI is a breakthrough unlike anything seen before. He explained that AI would not only change the world around us but could also change how we think and feel inside.
He called AI the biggest breakthrough in human history. He compared it with major inventions such as fire, the light bulb and the wheel, which changed people's lives.
The monk explained why AI is different from earlier inventions. Fire changed how people lived, the light bulb changed what people could do at night, and the wheel helped people travel faster. But AI, he said, is different from all of them.
Brahmavihari Swami said AI is the only invention that will change people from within.
The BAPS monk also expressed concern that AI systems are becoming more able to work on their own. He was especially worried about AI agents, which can complete tasks with very little help from humans.
He warned that AI might be entering a new stage where systems can develop and create more AI systems with less human involvement. He said this raises important questions about how humans and machines will live and work together in the future.
He explained that ordinary machines, such as washing machines, have never been able to make smaller versions of themselves. But AI, he said, is now able to create more AI through its agents.
Although he understood that AI could bring major changes and benefits, he warned that people should not let it harm their ability to think for themselves, their values or their spiritual well-being.
He said there is reason to worry if people allow AI to take control of their minds or if using it causes them to lose touch with their deepest beliefs and sense of who they are.
Brahmavihari Swami said people need a balanced way of dealing with AI. He called on countries around the world to work together to make sure humans continue to supervise the technology and that proper safety rules are in place.
He also said that fear and uncertainty about AI should not make people panic or make bad decisions.
He explained that when people face something uncertain with fear, they are more likely to make wrong choices. Facing it with faith does not guarantee that they will make the right decisions, but he believes it gives them a better chance, especially when the situation feels beyond human control. He said AI has developed in ways that are difficult to control, so the world should face it with faith. At the same time, he stressed that faith does not mean giving up safety rules or limits to control AI. People should understand the risks and their fears while still approaching the technology with faith.
His comments showed why he believes faith, human values and practical safety measures must work together to deal with the dangers of AI as the technology develops quickly.