Navigating Life in Real Time

Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen –Romans 11:33-36 CSB

Social influencer Caryn Marjorie is taking AI to a new level. The 23-year-old influencer is using AI to “create a virtual version of herself that acts as a romantic companion of sorts for thousands of her fans online who are willing to pay for this unique experience called CarynAI.” (Fionna Agomuoh)

CarynAI is currently in early beta testing but the technology is a voice-based chatbot where her fans can type and speak with Marjorie as if conversing with a close friend. Outside of talking with an AI version of “your friend,” the user will pay $1 per minute to engage with Marjorie’s voice and likeness. Forever Voices CEO John Meyer collaborated with Marjorie in developing CarynAI. Meyer noted “that such technology could be beneficial for young people who are “not typical” and “struggle with friends.”

Unmesh Dinda used the power of AI to create a girlfriend that doesn’t exist. The convincing selfie of the perfect couple, except only one, is a real person. Dinda said, “If your relatives are more concerned about you getting married than you are, you need to send them a photo like this. This will keep them wondering for a while.”

Artificial Intelligence or AI has dominated a lot of airspace lately with TV documentaries, news segments, and even hearings before Congress on the potential dangers and need for regulations. It would seem that the world will be controlled by AI! However, AI is not new with the term being coined in 1956 but now with the increased data volumes, advanced algorithms, and improvements in computing power and storage, it has evolved into the current technological craze or danger, depending upon the user.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, recently testified before a U.S. Senate committee. Altman talked about the possibilities but also the pitfalls of the new technology. He said, “I think if this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong…we want to be vocal about that. We want to work with the government to prevent that from happening.” John Meyer recognizes the inherent dangers of inappropriate content and is looking to address potential issues by hiring a chief ethics officer.

Along with the challenges of AI is the concept of “The Knowledge Doubling Curve.” In 1900 human knowledge doubled approximately every 100 years, but by the end of 1945, the rate was every 25 years. By 1982 some futurists said human knowledge doubled every 12-13 months. Currently, it is estimated human knowledge doubles every 12 hours! Working to counter-balance the doubling concept is the “Knowledge Half-Life” which is “the amount of time it takes before half the knowledge or facts in a particular area is made obsolete or superseded by new facts.” (Scott Sorokin)

It is against this backdrop that new graduates must navigate. The month of May traditionally marks the beginning of graduations, from pre-K moving to kindergarten through college seniors walking across the platform to receive their diplomas to start their journey in the marketplace. Graduation marks a pivotal milestone in life and the beginning of the next steps but how do these graduates maneuver in this world of AI, political chaos, and cultural upheaval?

Harvard Scientist Samuel Arbesman observed, “Facts change all the time: The Earth was flat, smoking was once doctor-recommended, and Pluto was a planet.” Therefore, finding a solid foundation is essential otherwise you find yourself in a quagmire. I have found these friends’ advice helpful in navigating any life milestone.

The writer of Hebrews would say you need a solid foundation and “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (13:8)

The writer of Proverbs would say the starting point is “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (1:7)

The writer of James would say to find wisdom and if you don’t have wisdom, “Ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (1:5)

The writer of First John would say to be careful, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (4:1)

The writer of Romans would say to stand out from the crowd and “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (12:2)

The writer of Matthew would capture the final promise of Jesus that gives us hope in uncertainty that “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (28:20)

You may have missed it, but another pivotal milestone that we celebrate each year which is life-changing, happened last Thursday, May 18. In the Christian liturgical calendar, it is called Ascension Day. The day marks the final words of Jesus as he completed his successful mission on earth and returned home to get things ready for all of us who follow Him. I will admit the prospects of AI are a bit overwhelming, the state of our nation and world is unsettling and the future is uncertain unless I keep my thoughts fully on Jesus’ final assurance, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt 28:18)

Artificial Intelligence is just that, artificial! Since it is created by finite minds, it will be used for good and for evil but it will reach its limit. Intelligence that is unlimited and will last forever comes from the One who can say, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Rev 1:8)

God is great!