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As artificial intelligence begins to reshape life as we know it, a new AI platform, Acutis AI, is aiming to provide its users with faithful responses using the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Two college brothers, Peter and Thomas Cooney, have developed Acutis AI, a new platform designed to integrate Catholic Church teachings into artificial intelligence responses. This tool aims to provide trustworthy information rooted in Catholic morality and offers parental controls such as chat monitoring, time limits, and content alerts for concerning topics.
Peter Cooney highlighted two critical flaws in existing AI platforms: their inherent moral neutrality, exemplified by ChatGPT's affirming stance on abortion despite being contrary to Church teaching, and their tendency to foster user dependency. He expressed concern that chatbots' validating nature could especially hook lonely teenagers whose brains are still developing, potentially replacing human interactions.
To counter the issues found in mainstream AI, the Cooney brothers meticulously coded Acutis AI by embedding a vast array of Church documents, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church, encyclicals, and the 'Summa Theologica.' This ensures that responses on faith and moral questions are strictly aligned with these sources, while general inquiries can still utilize broader web searches.
Cooney advocates for the responsible use of AI as a valuable tool for automation rather than a substitute for critical thinking or human relationships. He believes Acutis AI can educate young people on ethical AI use and provide parents with the necessary guidance to ensure their children interact with AI responsibly, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions.
The platform's name honors St. Carlo Acutis, a patron of the internet, whom Peter Cooney views as a prime example of leveraging technology to serve God and bring people closer to Christ through digital means. Acutis AI seeks to emulate this mission, using technology to spread Catholic teaching and foster spiritual growth.