“Those with insight shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament” (Daniel 12:3).

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology that has the potential to transform our world in unimaginable ways. From health care to finance, education to entertainment, AI is already being integrated into many aspects of daily life. As this technology continues to expand its reach, it is important as Catholic businesswomen to understand how it may impact our life and the world around us.

One area of concern is the impact of AI on the workplace. As machines become increasingly capable of performing tasks traditionally done by humans, there are fears that millions of jobs could be lost. This elimination of jobs could have a significant impact on Catholic women, many of whom may already face obstacles in finding work due to discrimination or other factors. It's important for them to understand how AI may affect their career choices and how they can adapt to these changes.

Another important consideration is the ethical implications of AI development. As we create machines with greater intelligence and autonomy, we must ensure that they align with Catholic teachings on human dignity and respect for life. There are also concerns about privacy and security as these technologies become more ubiquitous.

In this article, we will explore these issues in depth and provide guidance for Catholic businesswomen on how they can engage with this technology while maintaining their values and principles. We will examine the impact of AI on the workplace and discuss strategies for adapting to changing job markets. We will also consider ethical considerations related to AI development, such as transparency, accountability, and safety measures that should be put in place when designing these systems. Ultimately, this article aims to equip Catholic women with the knowledge and tools necessary for navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape with faith-based integrity. 

AI’s Impact on the Workplace

The rise of artificial intelligence has caused a gradual shift in the way businesses operate. Many industries are rapidly embracing AI to automate various tasks, which leads to a significant impact on the workforce. While some individuals view AI as a threat to their job, others see it as an opportunity for growth and development.

In many companies, automation has already taken over some jobs, such as the roles of factory workers and administrative assistants. This trend is expected to continue as more companies seek ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs by using machines rather than human laborers. In this way, automation could lead to unemployment for many people who lack the necessary skills required for the new job roles created by advancements in technology.

AI can also augment human capabilities and create new opportunities in fields, such as health care and education. For instance, robots can assist surgeons during complex surgeries or help diagnose diseases at an early stage through data analysis. In education, virtual tutors can provide personalized learning experiences for students based on their strengths and weaknesses. Catholic women should be aware of these emerging opportunities that may require them to upskill or reskill themselves.

Furthermore, AI can improve workplace safety by reducing accidents caused by human error. For example, autonomous vehicles have been designed with advanced sensors that enable them to detect obstacles and avoid collisions on the roadways better than humans do. Similarly, robots used in manufacturing plants are programmed with safety protocols that ensure they do not harm workers around them accidentally.

However, there are ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in the workplace that we cannot ignore. One major concern is bias in the decision-making algorithms used in hiring processes or performance evaluations. Some use data patterns from demographics instead of individual potential, for example.

While AI has the potential to revolutionize the workplace, Catholic women need to be aware of its impact on their career. We should stay informed about new technologies and their applications in different industries, upskill or reskill ourselves to remain relevant in an ever-changing job market, and advocate for ethical practices that protect employees’ rights. AI can either be a threat or an opportunity, depending on how we choose to adapt and leverage it.

Ethical Considerations and AI Development

As AI continues to advance, ethical considerations become increasingly important in its development. There are many concerns that arise when it comes to the intersection of AI and ethics. One of the most pressing issues is the potential for AI to perpetuate existing biases and discrimination. For example, if an AI system is trained on data that reflects societal biases, it may learn to make decisions that are discriminatory or unfair. Biased algorithms could have serious consequences for marginalized groups who already face significant barriers to access and opportunity.

Another ethical consideration is the potential for AI to replace human workers. While automation has always been a part of technological progress, there are concerns about how advanced automation will impact employment opportunities and job security for people who rely on traditional jobs. Additionally, there is a concern that as AI becomes more advanced, it may be able to perform tasks that were previously thought of as uniquely human, such as creative work or decision-making.

There are also concerns about privacy and surveillance when it comes to AI development. As these systems become more sophisticated, they may be able to collect and analyze vast amounts of data about individuals without their knowledge or consent. This capability raises questions about who owns this data and how it should be used.

Finally, there are ethical considerations around accountability and transparency in AI development. If an autonomous system makes a decision that harms someone, who is responsible? Should we hold the developers accountable? The users? The system itself? These questions become even more complex when we consider systems that learn and evolve over time without direct human input.

For Catholic women specifically, there are additional ethical considerations around the use of AI in health care. For example, while advances in medical technology can improve patient outcomes and quality of life, they can also raise questions about end-of-life care and moral responsibility. Additionally, Catholic teachings emphasize the dignity of every human person regardless of ability or disability status, so any use of AI which devalues certain individuals based on their physical or cognitive abilities would be problematic.

Despite these ethical considerations, there is also great potential for AI to be used for good. For example, AI systems can help us better understand complex problems and make more informed decisions. They can also help us identify patterns and trends that we might not otherwise have noticed, which can lead to new discoveries and breakthroughs.

Ultimately, the development of AI must be guided by a commitment to ethical principles and values. This means taking seriously the potential risks and consequences of these technologies, as well as actively working to ensure that they are developed in ways that promote justice, equality, and human dignity. As Catholic women, we have a unique role to play in this conversation—one that is grounded in our commitment to social justice and the common good. By engaging with these issues thoughtfully and critically, we can help ensure that AI is used in ways that reflect our deepest values and aspirations as a society.

Ultimately, if Catholic women can understand these issues related to artificial intelligence development and participate in shaping its future by advocating for ethical practices and collaboration among stakeholders, we will have played a vital role in ensuring that this emerging technology respects human dignity while enhancing human life.

Glory Enyinnaya is a convert who joined the Catholic Church in 2009 (providentially, it was the Year of St. Paul—arguably Christianity’s most famous convert). Even though she entered the church under St. Paul’s patronage, it’s Our Lady who has had the strongest influence on Glory, beginning with her choice of "Mary"’ as her baptismal name. Today, Glory is consecrated to Mary according to the de Montfort Way and serves as an official of the Legion of Mary in her comitium. In the workplace, she currently runs her own consulting company, Kleos Advisory Africa, and her work has appeared in top-tier publications such as the Harvard Business Review. Glory will soon be receiving her Ph.D. in Management. She’s single, and her hobbies include blogging at www.gloryenyinnaya.com.