Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve addressed Brigham Young University students and faculty at the campus devotional, March 3.
Elder Cook said he prepared for this talk by reflecting on the 150 year anniversary of BYU, as well as the advancements the world has made in the last 150 years.
“In that 150-year period, the world went through an agricultural age, an industrial age and an information age — that is morphing into an artificial intelligence age,” Elder Cook said.
To describe the effects of the information age, Elder Cook quoted a talk by George Schultz from March 1986 titled "The Shape, Scope, and Consequences of the Age of Information."
Schultz’s talk emphasized the technological prowess of computers in the 1970s and described the story of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the founders of the Apple computer.
“Schultz was not just describing technology,” Elder Cook said. “He was forecasting a significant shift in how people live, learn and earn their living.”
Elder Cook then explained how the information age is changing.
“As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and particularly you students at Brigham Young University, the information age is now rapidly evolving,” Elder Cook said. "It appears that it will be shaped by artificial intelligence, algorithms that can shape attention and belief, and automation of both physical and cognitive labor."
Elder Cook said it is important to understand the changes going on during this period of increasing knowledge and hastening of the Lord’s work.
“My purpose today is to explore with you what this special moment requires of you, BYU students, at the conclusion of the 150th anniversary of BYU,” Elder Cook said.
He first mentioned that the audience should properly honor and learn from the agricultural age, which makes up much of scriptural history.
“A constant reality of agricultural life for the righteous was to depend on God, respect the reality of natural law and be both patient and appreciative of divine blessings,” Cook said.
He then moved on to the industrial age, and said this period spanned much of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' and BYU’s histories.
He explained that advancements in the industrial age to transportation and machines allowed for better education and more employment opportunities, which blessed early Church pioneers.
Elder Cook warned that no success in society is greater than success in the home, and that family should be a priority for faithful Latter-day Saints.
“Now let me be clear,” Elder Cook said. “We want you to be successful in all aspects of your life, but not at the expense of faith and family.”
Elder Cook then emphasized how we can find truth in the new artificial intelligence age.
“The doctrine of the restored gospel is just as applicable to the information age as it was to the agricultural or industrial age,” Elder Cook said. “The Lord’s scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, will be even more important in our day than they were for prior generations.”
Elder Cook said that members of the Church need to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon through the Holy Ghost, pray and listen to the words of holy prophets.
“My challenge for you, precious students, is to choose truth when deception is easy,” Elder Cook said. “The future of the Church and our very civilization depends on members and individuals who have deep faith, moral courage and the ability to navigate an increasingly complex world.”
Elder Cook said although technology can be used for deception, the Lord can help students use it for good.
“I promise you that throughout your life, the Lord will provide prophets with the guidance necessary to allow you, precious students, to find truth and righteousness,” Elder Cook said.
He concluded by reminding students they are not just at BYU to earn a degree but also to become better disciples of Christ in an increasingly complex world.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, Elder Cook encouraged students to seek truth from prophets.
“Remember, spiritual guidance can help you overcome deception as you consume information, old or new,” Elder Cook said.