A Cautionary Note from Rev. Suzanne Rude

Rev. Suzanne Rude's sermon, “The Most Human Human,” is a great read if you’re interested in the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a UU perspective. She delivered it on February 19 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord, NH, but I’m just now discovering it.

Rev. suzanne rude

What jumps out at me is her reference to Chris Nodder's Evil by Design: Interaction Design to Lead Us into Temptation which focuses on the ethical implications and psychological tactics used in design to influence user behavior.

Nodder explores how design elements can be intentionally crafted to manipulate users into making choices that they might not otherwise make, often benefiting the designer or organization at the expense of the user's best interests. He calls these manipulative practices "dark patterns,”

AI is likely to become ingenious in creating dark patterns. Might it also create “bright patterns,” manipulative practices that encourage us to live rightly in upstanding ways? Would such manipulation be ethic if it’s done in the user’s and society’s best interests?

Rev. Suzanne's journey into AI began with Brian Christian's book The Most Human Human, which explores what it means to be human in the age of intelligent machines. This book serves as a catalyst for the sermon, prompting questions about how we can ensure AI systems reflect and promote values such as love, compassion, and justice.

She emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in AI development, highlighting the potential for AI to benefit humanity in areas like healthcare and agriculture, while also addressing the dangers of bias and misinformation that can arise from poorly designed or inadequately tested AI systems. Rev. Suzanne’s discussion of the Turing Test and the concept of AI "hallucinations" underscores the need for vigilance and ethical oversight in AI development.

Rev. Suzanne also touches on the inherent human tendency to attribute human characteristics to machines, which can lead to misplaced trust and expectations. This point is crucial in understanding how we interact with AI and the potential for exploitation by those who design AI systems to manipulate human behavior.

She concludes with a call to mindfulness, prayer, and meditation as tools to navigate the complexities of AI and remain grounded in our humanity. She encourages us to engage with AI thoughtfully and ethically, ensuring that technological advancements align with human values and contribute to a more just and loving world.

“The Most Human Human” is a thought-provoking sermon that invites readers to reflect on the ethical dimensions of AI through the lens of love and human values.