Archbishop Martins warns against AI, social media misuse

Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, has cautioned Nigerians against the misuse of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media platforms, warning that the spread of misinformation could trigger tension and crisis in society.

Archbishop Martins gave the warning on Sunday while delivering the Pope’s message during the celebration of the 2026 and 60th World Communications Day held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.”

Speaking during the celebration, the Archbishop described information as a public good that must be handled responsibly for the benefit of society rather than for manipulation or division.

He warned against deploying technological devices and digital communication tools in ways that distort human interaction and weaken genuine relationships among people.

According to him, while innovations such as Artificial Intelligence and social media have improved communication globally, they should never replace the natural human connections created by God.

Martins stressed that God created human beings in His image and likeness, giving them emotions, compassion, and physical expressions that cannot be replicated by machines or digital systems.

He explained that human communication carries emotions capable of healing, comforting, and strengthening relationships in ways that technology cannot fully achieve.

The Archbishop noted that simple human interactions, such as hearing a neighbour’s voice during greetings or physical conversations, remain more meaningful than mere digital exchanges or text messages.

He also cautioned Nigerians against the careless circulation of false or unverified information online, urging social media users to critically examine content before accepting or sharing it.

According to him, misinformation and fake news spread through social media platforms have contributed to conflicts, distrust, and social unrest in many communities.

He said Nigerians must therefore resist the temptation of using digital platforms irresponsibly, especially at a time when insecurity remains one of the country’s greatest challenges.

“Insecurity is one of the most troubling realities facing our nation; therefore, caution must be exercised so that social media is not used to worsen the situation, but rather deployed positively to enhance security and national peace,” he said.

The cleric further stressed that citizens have a moral obligation to avoid posting unverifiable information or inflammatory materials capable of creating fear, tension, or violence within society.

He added that as Nigeria moves deeper into an election season, communication platforms should be used constructively to strengthen democracy, promote accountability, and support the emergence of leaders committed to good governance and the welfare of the people.

Archbishop Martins called on media practitioners, technology users, and the general public to preserve truth, human dignity, and ethical communication in the digital age.

The World Communications Day celebration is observed annually by the Catholic Church to reflect on the role of communication and media in promoting truth, unity, and human development across the world.