In his recent encyclical, "Magnifica humanitas," Pope Leo XIV spoke about the dangers of modern technology when used without the guidance of Catholic anthropology. Unless we respect our universal desire for God and the loving relationship through which we know Him, our use of powerful technologies like AI will only reinforce our worst habits. We may create and consume more efficiently but also more wastefully. We may free ourselves from the drudgery of work, but hand ourselves over to entities whose interests do not align with our own. We may solve problems more quickly but relinquish our judgment. All these concerns are grave and invite the spiritual consul of the Holy Father.

As the headmaster of a Catholic, classical high school -- the Chesterton Academy of the Immaculata -- I would like to speak about the dangers of technology, and specifically AI, in the context of secondary education. The points I make apply to learners more broadly. However, I think they are especially urgent for students coming into adulthood.

The first danger that AI poses is the way it accelerates disembodied learning. The very fact that so much information can be brought immediately to our awareness discourages us from getting out into the world. Learning is a product of the entire human body: our eyes and ears certainly, but also our hands, legs, and most of all our heart. The fullest understanding of the world comes from physical encounters with things that burn, pierce, enliven, or deaden. Knowledge communicated without these concrete experiences is one-sided and cannot last in a meaningful way.

The second danger follows from the preceding point. Reliance on AI discourages human relationships. In seeking answers merely from an algorithm, one is less inclined to meet and learn from actual human beings. While the knowledge we gain might be in some sense more correct, we are deprived of other, more fundamental lessons learned from engaging with other people. Not only does this limit the scope of our knowledge, it alienates us from the human family. There is a real joy that comes from knowing something shared by another person, be he a teacher, a neighbor, or an author from thousands of years ago.

This second point leads to the severest danger of all. The growing reliance on AI makes it harder to hear the voice of God and develop a relationship with him. A device that appears immediately to answer our questions and satisfy our needs discourages us from giving God the space and silence in which to speak. While boredom is unpleasant, it is also an ineliminable aspect of our existence, a reminder that we are not self-sufficient and that our happiness depends upon something outside of ourselves. The technological miracles at our disposal provide the most powerful means of distracting us from this fact, offering instant, finite gratification at a potentially infinite cost.

Undoubtedly, the technological advances that surround us can enrich our lives. We should express gratitude and admiration for their creation. However, like any tools, we must use them with a healthy respect for their dangers. At the Chesterton Academy of the Immaculata, we acknowledge the promise of the many technological marvels in society but understand that their good use depends upon the quality of a student's formation. For that reason, we minimize their use at our school: students are not allowed to have on their person any cell phone, smart watch, laptop, or other electronic device. At this point in their lives, especially with respect to their studies, they are a dangerous distraction.

At the same time, taking away these tools is nothing if students are not given meaningful activities in which to participate. To that end, we strain our efforts and creativity to promote the three things articulated above: 1) using our hands and bodies in active learning and building; 2) developing real relationships with the people around us; and 3) dedicating the space and time for God the Father to speak his Word to us. This last thing we are blessed to do in constant prayer and, most importantly of all, at daily Mass in the Holy Eucharist.

We live at a remarkable point in human history, with technology proceeding at an unprecedented pace. May all parents, teachers, and educators use the unique time of their authority to train well the hearts, minds, and souls of their charges. By our words, rules, and example, let us remind our students that technology only finds its fulfillment in the glorification of God.



JOSEF CRESSOTTI IS THE HEADMASTER OF THE CHESTERTON ACADEMY OF THE IMMACULATA, A CO-EDUCATIONAL, CLASSICAL HIGH SCHOOL THAT OPENED IN FRAMINGHAM IN 2025 (JCRESSOTTI@CHESTERTONIMMACULATA.ORG, 508-215-8956).