May 2020 – Article 2:
We are social beings. We are not meant to be isolated. The COVID-19 virus has made that reality painfully clear.
Numerous media reports highlight cases of widespread depression, increased substance abuse, and even domestic violence.
But even before the pandemic, health professionals have long warned that lack of human companionship was detrimental to a person’s health.
“People who continue to maintain close friendships and find other ways to interact socially live longer than those who become isolated,” proclaimed an article published by St. Joseph’s Health.
The article said benefits of social contact often include:
- Reducing the risk for cardiovascular problems, some cancers, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Lower blood pressure.
Without socialization, people:
- Become lonely and isolated.
- Are less physically active.
- Are at a greater risk of death.
- Can develop high blood pressure.
And these problems become even more threatening for the elderly and infirm.
When God created humankind in His image, He endowed us with Personhood, and as such, we are meant to interact with, and care for, other persons.
In short, being isolated from other people is harmful—among other things—because it violates God’s plan for humanity.
One rapidly growing, but misguided, answer is so-called “companion robots.”
Leave it to science to come up with a Godless solution for loneliness that seems workable but threatens to further damage the idea of Personhood.
What can these robots reportedly do?
An article published in the NewStatesman.com touted the benefits of “Pillo,” who has “staring blue eyes, a pixelated smile, and an intimate knowledge of your medical needs.”
The article noted: “Complete with artificial intelligence and a camera to track your face, Pillo perches on kitchen counters and table-tops, watching everyone in the house and dispensing their medications.
“’Enjoy your yoga class, Lisa!’ Pillo says, plopping out a vitamin pill to a pale-haired woman.” He also reminds an elderly man to take his blood pressure medication.
“He knows the exact number of calories in a carrot. He can sync with any wearable device, logging your exercise goals, but crucially, Pillo is designed to help the elderly and those who need support at home. He can dispense tablets at the right times, chat to his users and contact their family members in case of emergencies,” the article claims.
Then there’s “Buddy,” an advanced “companion” robot with an “expressive face and gentle voice.”
With “different feelings and moods,” the robot reportedly can “develop friendships” and carry on artificial intelligence (AI)-driven conversations with humans. In the future, such devices may even be able to check a person’s vital signs.
In fairness, there may well be functions—such as dispensing pills—these devices can perform to assist those in need. Although it’s absolutely essential for pro-life advocates to keep in mind that no matter how sophisticated they become, they’re machines—not humans.
They are not persons created in the image of God. Whatever they’re able to do has been programmed by other humans.
If we’re not diligent, turning to robots for companionship will lead us down a path to a less humane, less Godly society.
Even The Atlantic magazine has noted: “As AI permeates our lives, we must confront the possibility that it will stunt our emotions and inhibit deep human connections, leaving our relationships with one another less reciprocal, or shallower, or more narcissistic.”
May God help all pro-Personhood-advocates understand the dangers in this trend and help us share this truth with family and friends.
Sources: newstatesman.com; freethink.com; theatlantic.com.
By Wayne DuBois
Georgia Right to Life