“Artificial intelligence systems are in themselves very good. They can help us do many things, but if we do not pay due attention, they will take control of humanity,” says Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, Bishop of Awka, in his report for the 58th World Day of Social Communications to be celebrated on Sunday, May 12, as read in Agenzia Fides.

For this reason, the diocese of Awka organized from May 5 to 12 a week of reflection on the Message of Pope Francis: “Artificial intelligence and wisdom of the heart: for fully human communication.” “Artificial intelligence must be created to serve humanity and not to control it, replace it, or make it superfluous because if it takes over, we are finished,” said Monsignor Ezeokafor. The Bishop of Awka has also stressed that human beings must use modern and advanced technologies so that they do not become objects of what they have created.

Many young people abuse technology

Ezeokafor has reported that many young people abuse technology by committing computer crimes, Internet fraud, and online scams. “Sadly, many of our youth use technology to perpetrate evil in society; engaging in ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ (the popular name for computer fraud in Nigeria, ed.) or Internet fraud,” he laments. Monsignor Ezeokafor.

Online scammers in Nigeria

Until recently, online fraud gangs in Nigeria were centered in the Lagos area. Now, the phenomenon seems to have spread to all major cities and campuses in southern Nigeria. And it is not uncommon to see young men and women, living a life of luxury with no apparent means of subsistence, thanks to online fraud. “That is why parents must prioritize the education and spiritual development of their children, so that they can connect with God and tame their unbridled impulses,” concludes the Bishop.