Special Message of His Eminence Jose Cardinal F. Advincula, Archbishop of Manila
during the 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards | November 20, 24
photo from the Catholic Mass Media Awards Facebook page
Rev. Fr. Rufino C. Sescon, Jr., Executive Director of the Catholic Mass Media Awards; Members of the CMMA Board; distinguished board of judges; the finalists and winners of our 46th CMMA; dear media practitioners; dearly beloved in Christ,
In his message for the 58th World Day of Social Communications this year, Pope Francis chose the theme: “Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart: Towards a Fully Human Communication”. The Holy Father offered several unsettling questions for today and for the future that should merit a serious attention and response from all of us:
How do we safeguard professionalism and the dignity of workers in the fields of information and communication, together with that of users throughout the world?
How do we ensure the inter-operability of platforms?
How do we enable businesses that develop digital platforms to accept their responsibilities about content and advertising in the same way as editors of traditional communications media?
How do we make more transparent the criteria guiding the operation of algorithms for indexing and de-indexing, and for search engines that are capable of celebrating or canceling persons and opinions, histories and cultures?
How do we guarantee the transparency of information processing?
How do we identify the paternity of writings and the traceability of sources concealed behind the shield of anonymity?
How do we make it clear whether an image or video is portraying an event or simulating it?
How do we prevent sources from being reduced to one alone, thus fostering a single approach, developed on the basis of an algorithm?
How instead do we promote an environment suitable for preserving pluralism and portraying the complexity of reality?
How can we make sustainable a technology so powerful, costly and energy-consuming? And how can we make it accessible also to developing countries?
If you are a serious media practitioner, you must devote days of reflection, prayer, and discussions on these issues. As I observe it, our ethical reflections and moral judgments are not able to cope with the ultra-rapid changes in the digital continent. I hardly hear about conversations on the possible devastating effects of manipulated content and deep-fake sources of communicated materials. How many lives have been wasted because of cyber blackmail and identity theft? How many dreams have been broken because of the lack of accountability and safeguarding structures in the online world?
I would strongly suggest that all media practitioners from all platforms must come together regularly and seek pathways to develop healthier and safer digital spaces. I would like to offer the Archdiocese of Manila and our Social Communications Ministry as a possible venue for our conversations. We can organize round-table discussions and consultations to study the questions given to us by Pope Francis. What I have learned from my participation in the Synod on Synodality in Rome last month is the power of listening to each other, of communal discernment and action. The imminent challenges being posed to us by Artificial Intelligence and the so-called Robot Revolution cannot be ignored. We have to face them together.
As a leading technology expert once said, “Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine.” If information has become a commodity and truth is merchandise, what will happen to our families and communities? What will happen to human relationships? We are told that AI technology is still in its infancy stage, but we are already seeing its possible harmful effects to humanity, especially to the young people of today. What more when AI becomes an adult and develops a mind of its own? Pope Francis has been reminding the world to be more circumspect and cautious in handling the delicate ethical issues connected with the digital revolution. Here in the Philippines, we must seriously consider putting up avenues and structures for listening, forming, and accompanying young people as they navigate the tricky waters of anonymous, unregulated online exchanges and interactions.
Pope Francis, in his message for the 58th World Communications Day, exhorts us to begin with the human heart. Before all else, we must start with the human heart. If we are to successfully face the challenges of cyberspace, we start with the space where we are most human, our hearts. Machines can never have a heart, even if they are programmed to simulate to perfection the human mind and heart. Only God can create a human heart. This is where the real battle for the present and the future will unfold. Deep within, we are humans. We were created in the image and likeness of God. Our hearts are designed to search for God. Our life purpose is to encounter Him, to know Him, to love Him, to follow Him. A simple Google search can produce millions of information about God. But it can never lead us to an experience of God. Only the human heart is capable of intimacy and knowledge of God. ChatGPT can create the most wonderful dissertation about faith and spirituality. But it can never replace the prayer of a person longing for God. Only the human heart is capable of loving and trusting God.
The call for us today is to go back to the affairs of the heart. The first stop towards a fully human communication, in-person or online, is the human heart. It is the repository of authenticity, sincerity, honesty, and love. If the human heart is compromised and undermined by trolls or imposter syndrome, it would be difficult for people to have a wholesome view of themselves and to establish authentic human relationships. If the human heart is too distracted by the overload of information dumped into it every day, it would be difficult to discover wisdom and deep appreciation of the simple joys and beauty of life. I would like to invite all of you, media practitioners and social communications professionals, let us join hands in promoting a culture of compassion and humanity in cyberspace. Let us not allow the different mass media platforms to lose its heart. And this advocacy begins with all of you, with your heart. As you practice your profession and perfect your craft, always ask yourself, “Are you forming and inspiring hearts and minds? Or are you burying the truth and spreading lies?” May you all become agents and promoters of truth and wisdom and a fully human communication.
Congratulations to all of you, the finalists and winners of our 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards. Please accept our humble appreciation of your hard work and creativity. May these awards motivate you to produce more uplifting content and pursue more projects that will spread the Good News of God’s love for humanity. Praised be Jesus Christ and Mary. Mabuhay kayong lahat! Thank you.
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