Faith-centered Parenting in the Age of AI

Head of AI at Gloo, Steele Billings is a seasoned professional in faith tech ecosystems. With a career spanning major technology companies and startups alike, Steele has been instrumental in building technology infrastructure for faith causes. He holds a business degree and has roots in computer science and design. Steele is committed to leveraging technology to fulfill God's purpose. Steele lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife, son and daughter. During this episode, Steele dives into the nuances of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on Christian parenting. With his extensive background in technology and faith, Steele helps unravel the many questions parents have about AI, mainly how it influences our children and intersects with our faith. Together, Lee Ann and Steele discuss the concerns surrounding relational bots and the role of the Church in educating families about AI. Key Takeaways: Understanding AI in a faith context: Steele defines artificial intelligence as autonomous computing, likened to a computer's ability to interpret tasks beyond explicit instructions. He highlights the current landscape of AI, discussing how it moves from narrow AI, where machines perform specific tasks, to a potential future of super AI, where machines could surpass human capabilities. Addressing parental concerns: Many parents express uncertainty about artificial intelligence and its influence on children. Steele emphasizes that while AI presents risks, it also offers opportunities for enhancing learning and productivity. Parents are encouraged to seek education on AI, set boundaries, and communicate openly about technology use grounded in faith with their children. Biblical guidance and faithful AI development: Steele stresses the importance of approaching AI with discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit. He introduces Gloo’s mission to create faith-centered AI tools, emphasizing the development of technology that aligns with biblical values and supports relationships between individuals and God. Practical tips for Christian parents: To help manage the risks and harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, Steele suggests parents engage in discussions with their children about AI's role in our lives. A mindful approach can help reinforce the value of human relationships, underpinning interactions with technological advancements. This episode is a valuable resource for Christian parents navigating the complexities of raising children in an AI-driven world. Parents can foster a strong Christian environment that embraces innovation and spiritual growth by incorporating faith into technology discussions.  * * * * * * * * Love this episode? Please leave us a rating/review and share this episode with a friend! You can find a list of all our episodes here.