THE period from the Information Revolution to the present, marked by the rise of artificially intelligent systems, represents one of the most significant shifts in human history.
Technology has rapidly evolved from basic computers to sophisticated machines capable of reasoning, decision-making and even mimicking human creativity. This evolution has transformed industries, reshaped economies and altered the very nature of human interaction. We now find ourselves in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), defined by advanced machine intelligence, widespread automation and unprecedented technological acceleration.
The emergence of AI raises both enormous opportunities and serious concerns, as is the case with any significant technological shift. AI has the potential to enhance communication, education, healthcare and productivity significantly. However, our increasing reliance on self-governing systems calls into question our morals and social standing. Given this fact, it is imperative that the moral, social, cultural and religious implications of AI be urgently examined in order to determine how these fundamental human ideas will coexist with and, more importantly, be influenced by AI.
Human identity and behaviour are inherently characterized by harmony and balance. They serve as the foundation for the principles that give rise to ethics and enable us to recognize moral integrity, social acceptability and piety. While social ethics offer norms that influence societal evolution through adaptation, religious ethics set boundaries, defining who we should aspire to be like. These well-established frameworks face an unprecedented challenge from AI. It compels us to face a new set of issues: either we modify our conception of society to accommodate the technology, or we run the risk of letting AI radically alter our moral frameworks.
We need to create structures that encourage inclusivity, reduce judgmental errors and have a positive impact on people. Humanitarianism must be the foundation of all endeavours. Each AI-enabled task must be carried out under human supervision, even though AI may help physicians & surgeons diagnose patients more quickly or relieve teachers of the burden of providing individualized instruction. When applied positively, AI can help people become more resilient. AI must be in line with fundamental human values; otherwise, there could be disastrous consequences. AI could enable omnipotent totalitarian control in the absence of strong privacy and freedom protections. There are already serious privacy issues, as evidenced by the collection of data using questionable methods. Constant monitoring and data collection erode privacy, endangering personal freedom. Freedom becomes the most important factor in these situations. Algorithmic bias also endangers social harmony and violates human dignity. Imagine a society in which systems created with no ethical restrictions, such as credit-scoring systems, policing drones, or biased hiring algorithms, normalize social class discrimination. This risk is real.
Equally concerning is the subtle erosion of cultural identity. As AI systems advance, local languages, traditions and distinct ways of thinking risk fading into obscurity. Cultures worldwide may struggle to retain their voices in a world increasingly shaped by machine logic. More alarming is the moral and ethical crossroads humanity faces. While machines excel at processing data and executing complex tasks, they lack empathy—the essential human ability to feel, care and grasp the emotional weight of decisions. In matters of justice, caregiving, conflict and life or death, compassion guides truly humane choices. Entrusting such profound responsibilities to AI risks altering our moral compass, demanding deep reflection and collective responsibility.
Our social fabric is also at risk. Automating caregiving functions may lead to emotional detachment. While machines can efficiently aid aged people or educate young children, we must not overlook the potential loss of genuine human concern that accompanies this efficiency. Effective solutions require pre-emptive action. Integrating AI demands prioritizing respect for humans, combating discrimination and embracing diversity. AI architectures must be designed to be verifiable, defendable and resistant to misuse. Robust global regulation and coordinated strategies defining the ethical use of AI technology are essential. Public understanding is equally critical. People must be sufficiently informed about AI to engage in proactive discourse and raise pertinent questions. Education frameworks must therefore prioritize digital literacy and character building to properly equip the future generations.
AI systems must embrace a variety of social constructs and respect pliable boundaries to preserve cultural and religious frameworks. AI frameworks that actively incorporate and protect indigenous languages, customs and knowledge are what we need. In order to contribute wisdom beyond technical proficiency, religious communities, academics and cultural representatives must actively engage in discussions about AI ethics. Building a bridge between AI and human values will be aided by it.
In the end, it is not a question of whether AI will influence our future, it already is. The real question is whether we, as a global society, can make sure that this future embodies the best aspects of humanity. It is a great moral obligation to align AI with our values; it is not just a technical challenge. If successful, AI could become a powerful force for good. Failure, how-ever, runs the risk of creating a society in which justice, compassion and genuine human connection are subordinated to efficiency and power. The way to deal with AI will decide the future of humanity. No doubt, at this critical crossroads, we must remember: true progress is measured not by the intelligence of our machines but by the wisdom and ethics with which we deploy that intelligence in service of humanity.
—The writer is Director at Institute of Humanities and Art, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
(anwar.farooq@kfueit.edu.pk)
