According to experts, Human intelligence refers to the “intellectual capability of humans, marked by complex cognitive feats and high levels of motivation and self-awareness.”

Since human intelligence is partly linked to the structure and genes of the human brain, it is also believed that intelligence could be “enhanced” using “genetic engineering,” a process sometimes called “biological uplift” in science fiction.

Indeed, “genetic enhancement experiments on mice have demonstrated superior ability in learning and memory in various behavioural tasks.”

But this reflection is focused on artificial intelligence (AI), as a technological innovation, its advantages, drawbacks and limitations.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes AI, as “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.
The term is frequently applied to the project of developing systems endowed with the intellectual processes characteristic of humans, such as the ability to reason, discover meaning, generalise, or learn from experience.”

To *Coursera,* an institution that partners with more than 300 leading universities and companies to bring flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals andalusia organisations worldwide, AI “is the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognising speech, making decisions, and identifying patterns.”

A staff writer in a recent article What Is Artificial Intelligence? Definition, Uses, and Types | Coursera, identified AI as “an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).

The writer noted that although the term is commonly used to describe a range of technologies in use, “many disagree on whether these constitute artificial intelligence. Instead, some argue that much of the technology used in the real world today constitutes highly advanced machine learning that is simply a first step towards true artificial intelligence, or “general artificial intelligence” (GAI).”

There is, however, no disagreement on when and how AI gained traction.

In 1956, a small group of scientists gathered for the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence, which was the birth of this field of research.

For context, Dartmouth College is a private Ivy League research university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States.

Established in 1769 by Eleazar Wheelock, it is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution and has since acquired national prominence as one of the most prestigious undergraduate colleges in America.

The 18 June to 17 August 1956 workshop in its premises is widely considered the event that launched AI as a research discipline.

AI is associated with the computer system, and it is instructive to note that since their development in the 1940s, digital computers have been programmed to carry out very complex tasks – such as discovering proofs for mathematical theorems or playing chess – with great proficiency.

However, despite continuing advances in computer processing speed and memory capacity, no programme has yet matched full human flexibility over wider domains or in carrying out tasks requiring everyday knowledge.

On the other hand, “some programmes have attained the performance levels of human experts and professionals in executing certain tasks, so AI, in its limited sense is found in applications as diverse as medical diagnosis, computer search engines, voice or handwriting recognition, and chatbots.”

It is, therefore, an unconscious human bias, to say that all but the simplest human behaviour is ascribed to intelligence, while even the most complicated behaviour of an insect is usually not taken as an indication of intelligence.

Similarly, AI like most computer-driven technology is pivotal to human development.

Like all human inventions, technological advancement boasts multiple benefits, drawbacks and limitations.

It is all down to the human attitude or character. Instead of putting AI to good use, evil-minded humans are using the technology to harm others or themselves, and the environment, disrupting development, committing crimes and causing mayhem.

The same applies to the evolution of social media and the negative implications of misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

In this Special Season, dear Brothers and Sisters, I wanted us to reflect on how humans can optimise God’s gifts and opportunities despite the associated negativities.

We should acknowledge AI and social media for what they are – part of technological advancement tools, to be leveraged for human development.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres could not have said it more aptly: “Artificial Intelligence without human oversight would leave the world blind, and perhaps nowhere more perilously and recklessly than in global peace and security.”

In a post on his social media handle, LinkedIn, he said: “AI’s expansion into security systems raises fundamental concerns about human rights, dignity, and the rule of law.”

“Critically,” he said, “(the misuse or abuse of) AI is eroding the fundamental principle of human control over the use of force.”

“From intelligence-based assessments to target selection, algorithms have reportedly already been used in making life-and-death decisions.

“The integration of AI with nuclear weapons is particularly alarming with potentially disastrous consequences. We must avoid it at all costs,” the Secretary-General said, warning: “No country should design, develop, deploy or use military applications of AI in armed conflict that violate international law, humanitarian law and human rights.”

He, therefore, urged “members of the Security Council to lead by example and ensure that competition over emerging technologies does not destabilise international peace and security.”

To establish the limitations and/or proficiency of AI, this writer, using his Android mobile phone decided to engage AI in a virtual conversation recently, Accra.

Two days after the Electoral Commission of Ghana had declared former President John Dramani Mahama as President-elect following the 7 December 2024 General Elections, I asked AI to tell me the President-elect of Ghana.

The response was interesting. AI said Nana Akufo-Addo was elected Ghana’s President in 2020. When reminded that John Mahama had been declared president-elect two days ago, AI acknowledged and thanked me for the information!

There is a tendency to exaggerate the power of AI. The risks are real. But instead of undue concerns or hysteria, humanity should innovate, adapt and prioritise the advantages and benefits of technological advancement such as AI and social media to transform the World positively.

In teaching his disciples about God’s Kingdom in *Matthew 13:24-48,* Jesus Christ used the parable of the “man who planted good seed in his field…, (but) …that night, while everyone was asleep, the man’s enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat.”

The man’s servants told him about the development and their wish to uproot the weeds. But he counselled them to exercise patience until harvest time because, in their haste to uproot the weeds the wheat could be destroyed, also. At harvest time, the weeds would be gathered and set on fire and the wheat harvested as food for the people.

AI and social media are not bad by themselves.

The problem is their misuse or abuse. They are a human creation, and instead of being hostage to their own creation, it behoves humanity to protect and not destroy itself with its creation.

With some rigour, it is possible to tell an AI-generated product from the work of a professional or misinformation/disinformation and fake news from the authentic.

God has given us freedom for our salvation. Let us preserve and make the World a better place, instead of abusing or misusing our innate freedom!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year 2025 to Everyone.