Tristan Harris Congress Testimony: Understanding the Use of Persuasive Technology

As formerly isolated technologies are being unified by new large language AI (artificial intelligence) models, Tristan Harris — an American technology ethicist, co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology — is trying to raise awareness of the dangers of an untested, exponentially increasing technology. Using metaphors from the nuclear arms race, he and his associates recognize that this a pivotal point in history. Which way do we want to go? Let us pray that the information and questions raised by Mr. Harris and others will be used by those having a grounding in sound philosophy and solid faith to help everyone, but especially Catholics, make good decisions. If nothing else, you should know what the dangers are.

Of course, AI is not intelligence at all, and will never achieve “consciousness.” That is pure sci-fi with no basis in reality. However, that does not mean that the technology is harmless.