Alliance for Catholic Education
Artificial intelligence is not limited to productivity tools and classroom applications. Increasingly, AI systems are being designed and used to simulate friendship, emotional support, romantic relationships, mentorship, and even therapeutic conversations. These “AI companions” are rapidly becoming part of students’ digital lives, often in ways that adults do not fully understand.
This webinar explores the growing phenomenon of AI companions through the lens of Catholic education, human formation, and ethical technology use. This session will examine deeper questions about relationships, human dignity, attention, loneliness, and the ways technology can shape students’ understanding of connection and community.
Participants will explore what AI companions are and why they are becoming increasingly popular; ethical concerns surrounding dependency, manipulation, emotional attachment, and anthropomorphism; and how Catholic social teaching and Catholic anthropology can help schools think about these technologies more clearly.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of AI companion platforms and their cultural impact and reflection questions related to formation, attention, belonging, and authentic community.
RSVP through Zoom. Attendees are eligible for 0.5 Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points by attending this event.
