Reflecting on Elder Bednar’s talk on artificial intelligence, three members of BYUH’s ohana highlight the importance of using AI responsibly
Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, emphasized in his talk, “‘Things as They Really Are 2.0,’” the limitless perils and impossible possibilities” of the use of AI, as it continuously spreads throughout the world in this dispensation. He said, “Innovations such as artificial intelligence [can] both assist you in receiving magnificent blessings and diminish and suffocate your moral agency.” He encouraged people not to be afraid of AI or attempt to hide from it because “the righteous possibilities of this amazing technological tool can be realized only if we are aware of and guard against its perils,” said Elder Bednar.
Inspired by the apostle’s voice, BYU–Hawaii community members said AI is replacing the process of what humans should do and think through to get final results using AI in any project. They shared the most important thing is not the product alone but the process itself. “We have developed a little bit more because of the process,” Alisi Langi said.
AI and personal agency
Langi, a professor in the Faculty of Religious Education, said people have their own agency on how they use AI. Using AI in ways that harm personal development or result in the abdication of agency creates a perilous position, she added. “But if we are careful with how we’re using it and … use it appropriately, then it’s something that can be empowering,” Langi continued.
As an educator, she said she often asks herself, “How can I help my students to use advancing technologies more effectively and appropriately?” She emphasized the importance of mentors who understand both the benefits and challenges of technology to guide students.“Because if not, we will end up having a whole group of students who are experimenting with AI and learning how not to be disciplined on their own,”
Langi said. Langi said there are certain things AI is appropriate to use but it is not for everything. She said she doesn’t want her students to use AI, especially when writing reflections in class. “AI cannot reflect. It wasn’t in class… It’s an algorithm and an equation… It can’t tell me what [they] learned and how [they] learned it,” she emphasized. By becoming too dependent on technology, she said, people would not be able to think for themselves anymore because they haven’t developed the appropriate or necessary skills. “That is why I think discernment is important, especially when evaluating ourselves,” Langi explained.
AI cannot replace authentic human connection and emotional intimacy, said Elder Bednar. “Always remember that an AI companion is only a mathematical algorithm. It does not like you. It does not care about you. It does not really know if you exist or not… , do not let this technology entice you to become an object.” Langi agreed with Elder Bednar, saying AI is something that has been created as an object, and it is one’s agency to use it effectively or “become the object and [let] the tech… be acted upon [us],” she added.
Elder Bednar said the Holy Ghost is needed for discernment and wisdom in AI use. He encouraged people not to allow “the supposed accuracy, speed and ease of modern technologies to entice you to avoid or circumvent the righteous work that invites into your life the blessings you will need.”
Ann Springer, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Business and Government, said the Holy Ghost will never lead people astray. Living worthy of that guidance will help people make wise decisions and exercise good judgment about AI and all things in our life,” Springer emphasized.
She further said AI can be used in endless ways to deceive others. She said people should use discernment in both the use of AI and their consumption of information. “There’s more emphasis right now on using AI instead of on how individuals are consuming information,” she explained. This echoes what Elder Bednar said about how artificial intelligence cannot simulate, imitate or replace the influence of the Holy Ghost in people’s lives, she continued.
At the end of the day, advancements in technology will not go away, Langi shared. She said everyone has a responsibility to learn how to use it appropriately for themselves in their fields and in their lives. “I am still in my journey doing that even though I am old enough now,” Langi shared. She said she has to take actual classes and workshops to better herself in using these advancements.
AI in professional development
Being heavily involved with AI as part of her academic research and professional development, Springer said AI plays a huge role in marketing, and it is essential to understand how it is both beneficial and possibly dangerous.
She said she presented research entitled, “5 Things Students Wish Their Professors Knew About AI.” There’s a lot of academic research about AI but not a lot written from a student perspective, she shared. Student perspectives must be heard and understood so instructors can better serve students, Springers added.
Springer shared AI could resonate with changes of the business world. “We are capable of ‘Thinking Celestial,’ while AI only has the ability of ‘Thinking Telestial,’” Springer shared.
“I frequently share with my students AI is a solid C student, but the only way to earn an A is to combine their human, divinely created intelligence with AI.”
Springer said the role of AI in BYUH is imminent, especially in the role of teaching students to responsibly develop and use AI in their careers. She said the world will continue to see AI play a huge role in the job market throughout Asia and the Pacific. For example, the Philippines is the top user of AI in the world, and it’s essential students understand how to compete in a job market where AI is considered a required skill, she explained.
As AI use is becoming more prominent in the business world, Springer said uncertainty about the future can lead some people to feel dread and fear. “AI won’t replace most human job functions, but it’s up to humans to prove their human intelligence combined with AI creates better outcomes and efficiency,” Springer said. With Elder Bednar’s counsel, she said moving forward with curiosity and caution could be of help. “Other leaps into technology—cell phones, the internet, etc.— have led people to share fear-filled narratives that caused people to worry unnecessarily.” At the same time, Springer said, “There are reasons to not jump in with both feet until we know more information. ”
Springer also said there are some potential pitfalls for businesses relying on AI. Yet, she emphasized the principles of the gospel to navigate these challenges. “AI is a great tool, but that’s all it is. It doesn’t replace face-to-face contact, personal study, prayer, etc.
Learning with AI
Reece Lee, a senior majoring in computer science from Hawaii, said he realized how the Lord’s influence has been evident throughout history, shaping innovation and progress across the globe. In one of his classes, Lee said he uses AI for debugging. While the overall code may be accurate, he explained small, hard-to detect errors can arise. AI helps identify those minor mistakes and provides assistance, he said. He added AI has become an invaluable tool, sparking his curiosity and deepening his interest in computer science. He likened AI to a second wind during a race. When you run, he said, “you get tired, but you pick up at the end of the race.”
It has been interesting and eye-opening for him to recognize his own use of AI for his spiritual growth aside from his academic growth, Lee shared. To understand this doctrine, he said people have to put in the effort to find the answers the Lord has in store for them to find personal revelation. The Lord doesn’t just say, “Ask... [like we do with AI]. It’s three different words: Ask, seek and knock,” emphasized Lee.
Similarly, Elder Bednar said understanding faith in the Savior is a principle of action, a fundamental expression of reliance on Christ and a source of learning and growth. “For these reasons, work is essential for our spiritual progression,” said Elder Bednar.
Lee cautioned AI can pose risks by removing the value of the process. “It takes away the small steps that might seem insignificant but are crucial in building understanding,” he said. Relying too heavily on AI could become problematic if it infiltrates every aspect of people’s lives, Lee added.
“Losing our ability to think critically and exercise common sense is a significant danger,” Lee added.
Lee shared he has a positive relationship with AI when it comes to assignments and projects. “It helps me appreciate the process of seeking and discovering answers on my own,” he said.
Reflecting on Elder Bednar’s talk, Lee noted a key takeaway: Heavenly Father didn’t create us to be flawless like robots that can be debugged. “At the end of the day, we are children of God… We have a divine identity to fulfill—to become like Him and strive to be the best versions of ourselves,” he said.