I recently received a very detailed and laudatory letter from the development director of my alma mater. Ostensibly, it was sent to congratulate me for a milestone I achieved in ministry. It is a common practice that schools and other organizations use to keep in touch with people who have a vested interest in them. They know that people must feel connected and appreciated in order for their support to continue.
At first glance, I was flattered. However, after thinking about the length of the letter and what was said, it was too good to be true. No human being would waste so much time and effort researching my history to compose a letter like this unless they were writing a book about me or inducting me into the alumni hall of fame. Certain that that was not the case I realized that the letter was generated by AI. I felt manipulated and betrayed.
The strength of a society is built on the bonding of human beings from the lowest to the highest levels (family, intermediary organizations, state). To be connected with others is important for individual health and for any organization to grow. For example, we hear today the expression “our team” which connotes a special relationship among people working to achieve a common goal. It presupposes good will and in a high functioning group even liking each other.
Using an AI generated bot in place of a person diminishes the soliciting institution as well as the potential donor to a less than human status.
There have been many warnings about the dangers of using bots in place of human beings. Certainly, this is the case with those who may use a bot for counseling purposes or engages in a romance with an AI generated avatar. Recently, an article appeared in the Wall Street Journal, reporting that pastors are becoming more comfortable using AI for their sermons. This is nothing short of fraud. The sermon is no longer a testimony of faith from one person to another but instead a “deus ex machine” (a god from a machine), which insults the deity and the hearer. A bot cannot love us and if we love a bot we have, as the saying goes, “issues.”
Non-profits and charitable organizations such as; schools, hospitals, soup kitchens and shelters exist because of a perceived societal need that government cannot adequately address. It is not just individuals financially investing in a worthwhile project but on a deeper level these organizations engage the heart and soul of a donor. The very success of the enterprise is the love invested in our fellow human beings which, paraphrasing the late Antonin Scalia, affects not just the recipient but the donor as well.
Not too long ago I received another “over the top” follow-up email from the same development director (read bot). Now I’m angry! Does the school think I’m stupid? Do they think I really want a relationship with a machine? Is this a way to make me feel connected and want to contribute more? What does this say about the organization’s concept of humanity?
Quite honestly, a hand-written note from real person would’ve meant a great deal to me.
Rev. Michael P. Orsi of Naples is senior advisor to Action for Life Florida and host of “A Conversation with Father Orsi.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Got a detailed and laudatory letter from a bot. I was angry | Opinion
Reporting by Rev. Michael P. Orsi / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rev. Michael P. Orsi | USA TODAY Network
