AI, Technology, and Violence

Pope Leo XIV warned political leaders and young people during his visit to France not to be captivated by a paradise of machines created by artificial intelligence. He stated that people need education in ethical discernment and the ability to recognize moral good to avoid losing their humanity as technology conditions daily life.

Father Daniel Franklin E. Pilario, C.M., noted that digital algorithms often reward negative emotions such as anger, fear, and fury because these emotions generate the highest engagement on social media. He described how financial and psychological incentives encourage content creators to use rage bait and divisive content to increase likes and shares. According to Father Pilario, this outrage industry can lead to various forms of violence, ranging from road rage to global warfare, including the use of unmanned drones to deliver bombs.