Technology and humanity: A call for ethical responsibility

Mar 28, 2025

Prayer Prism - Fr Fabian Dicom
I must admit, I’m quite old school. I have not fully embraced the latest technological advancements, and writing this article feels like a tremendous challenge. But then again, this is the reality we live in. Technology is advancing at an astonishing pace, changing how we connect, work, and even think. Whether we like it or not, it shapes the world around us. Every day, we wake up to the glow of our screens. Before we even greet the people in our homes, we are already checking messages, emails, and social media updates. Technology has become such a big part of our lives that it is hard to imagine a day without it. But Pope Francis’ prayer intention for April reminds us of something crucial: technology should serve humanity, not replace it.

In his words, we pray that "the use of new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times." This is not just a futuristic concern - it is already happening. From artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to social media and biotechnology, new technologies are rapidly transforming every aspect of life. While this article focuses on a few key areas - such as AI, digital communication, and automation - many other emerging technologies also demand our ethical discernment and prayer.

When Connection Becomes Disconnection
We have more ways to connect than ever before - WhatsApp, Zoom, Instagram, and countless other apps. But how often do these actually deepen our relationships?

A mother recently shared how she and her teenage son, though living under the same roof, barely spoke anymore. “We message each other more than we actually talk,” she said with a laugh — but sadness lingered in her eyes. “Even at dinner, he’s scrolling, and I’m answering emails.”

Technology, meant to bring us closer can, ironically, create distance. It replaces the warmth of a conversation with the coldness of a text. It makes us present everywhere but absent in the moment. As Pope Francis emphasises in Fratelli Tutti (43), “Digital connectivity is not enough to build bridges; it is not capable of uniting humanity.”

Beyond texting and social media, other digital interactions shape our relationships in unexpected ways. Online gaming and virtual spaces create new social circles, yet many friendships exist almost entirely in these digital worlds, raising the question of whether they provide the same depth as face-to-face relationships. Similarly, dating apps and online communities have become avenues for connection, but they can also encourage a culture of fleeting interactions, where relationships become transactional rather than deeply rooted. With all these ways to stay in touch, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly engaging with others, or are we just communicating at the surface level?

The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Beyond AI, which often dominates discussions, other technologies are quietly “reformatting” our daily lives in ways we may not fully grasp. E-commerce has made shopping effortless, but it often comes at the cost of workers’ well-being, forcing them to meet harsh demands for faster deliveries. Social media keeps us informed, yet it also fuels addiction, anxiety, and the rapid spread of misinformation. Streaming platforms provide endless entertainment but can lull us into passive consumption, weakening our ability to reflect and engage meaningfully with the world around us.

Technology itself is not the problem; it has brought undeniable benefits - lifesaving medical advancements, greater access to knowledge, and instant global communication. But the challenge lies in how we use it. The Pope urges us to reflect: Are we in control of technology, or is technology controlling us?

A Crisis of Dignity
One of the Church’s greatest concerns is that technology should respect human dignity. But in many cases, the opposite is happening. Social media, for example, can dehumanise individuals. In Malaysia, we see online bullying, public shaming, and the amplification of racial and religious tensions through viral posts. It takes mere seconds to forward a damaging rumour, but the harm it causes can last a lifetime.

Beyond this, digital surveillance is expanding, often at the expense of privacy and human rights. Even in education, there is a rush to implement online learning, but what about children who lack access to devices or a stable internet connection? Are we truly creating equal opportunities, or are we merely widening the gap between those who have access and those who do not?

Automation and the Changing Nature of Work
Technology is changing the way we work, and not always for the better. One of the biggest concerns today is automation — machines and AI replacing human workers. While automation can make businesses more efficient, it also has real consequences for workers, especially those in lower-income jobs.

We see this happening across industries — factories using robots instead of human workers, self-checkouts replacing cashiers, and automated systems taking over roles that once provided people with steady incomes. In Malaysia, factory workers, delivery riders, and service staff are especially at risk. Large corporations save money, but for those who lose their jobs, finding new work is not always easy. The gap between the wealthy and the struggling only grows wider.

Pope Francis reminds us in Fratelli Tutti (162) that work is about more than just earning a wage - it gives people dignity, a sense of purpose, and a place in the community, especially the poor. If automation keeps advancing without safeguards, we risk turning work into something purely mechanical, losing the human connection that makes it meaningful. That is why businesses and governments must take responsibility by ensuring fair policies, retraining programmes, and economic systems that put people before profit. Laudato Si’ also warns against the mindset that treats technology as the solution to everything, without thinking about its impact on society.

A Call for Ethical Responsibility
These concerns extend beyond automation to the broader role of artificial intelligence. In January 2025, the Vatican released Antiqua et Nova, a document exploring how AI compares to human intelligence. It points out that while AI can process massive amounts of data and perform incredible tasks, it lacks wisdom, conscience, and the moral responsibility that only humans have. That is why, no matter how advanced technology becomes, people must always remain accountable for the decisions made using AI.

Pope Francis has been clear: technology should never control human progress. We must think carefully about the kind of world we are creating. Are we using technology to serve people, or are we letting it replace them? The Church reminds us that every advancement — whether in AI, automation, or digital communication - should help build a society that respects human dignity and the common good. If we don’t stop and reflect, we risk losing something deeply human along the way.

Finding the Balance
Pope Francis is not against technology. The Church has always embraced innovation when it serves the common good. But the message is clear: we must not allow technology to strip away our humanity.

So how can we integrate technology into our lives in a way that fosters rather than hinders our relationships, dignity, and faith? We can begin by reclaiming real conversations, setting aside phones during meals, and giving our full attention to those around us. We must also use social media responsibly, asking ourselves whether what we share builds others up or tears them down. As Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up.”

Moreover, we must advocate for fair treatment of workers in the digital age, supporting businesses that prioritise human dignity over profit. Balancing online and offline life is also crucial — spending time in nature, engaging in face-to-face community, and, like Jesus Himself, withdrawing to quiet places for prayer. Lastly, educating ourselves and others about digital literacy will ensure that we use technology wisely and ethically.



A Prayer for Our Times
This reflection is not just about the future - it is about today. It is about how we, as individuals, families, and communities, choose to engage with technology. Above all, it is about ensuring that, in this digital age, we do not forget what truly makes us human: love, relationships, and the dignity of every person. Humanity stands at a crossroads. The future will depend on whether wisdom, responsibility, and love guide our advancements. Let us pray and act so that technology serves us - never the other way around.

(Fr Fabian Dicom is the National Director of Caritas Malaysia)