AI Age, Human Soul At Risk: Bishop Chikwe Challenges Journalists To Rethink Purpose At CAMPAN 2026
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape newsrooms and redefine storytelling, a pressing question is emerging: can journalism evolve without losing its human essence?
That concern took centre stage at the 2026 National Conference of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), where Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe, delivered a thought-provoking warning to media professionals.
Speaking during a Mass at the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri Pastoral Centre, Bishop Chikwe cautioned that the rapid rise of digital technologies must not erode the core values of journalism, truth, empathy and human dignity.
Addressing participants from across the country, the cleric stressed that while artificial intelligence offers powerful tools for content creation and distribution, it also poses a serious risk of stripping storytelling of its moral depth.
“In a world driven by technology, we must not lose our humanity,” he warned, urging journalists to remain deliberate in preserving the human element in their work.
With the conference themed “The Media and Violence Reporting: Preserving the Human Element in a Technology-Driven Communication Ecosystem,” discussions focused on the ethical challenges posed by algorithm-driven narratives and the growing culture of sensationalism.
Bishop Chikwe criticised the increasing obsession with visibility and virality, noting that journalism is gradually shifting from responsibility to performance.
He challenged practitioners to prioritise impact over noise, drawing inspiration from Saint Joseph as a model of quiet strength and purposeful action.
He further described journalists as “digital missionaries,” tasked not just with informing the public but shaping society through responsible storytelling.
As conversations continue at CAMPAN 2026, the message remains clear: technology must serve humanity, not replace it.
In an age of automation and instant publishing, the survival of journalism may depend on its ability to retain its human soul.
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