Pixels vs. Personhood: The Impact of Technology on Human Identity and Relationships

The image is artificially generated…if you couldn’t already tell.

I recently had the amazing opportunity to present a couple of breakout sessions at the Apologetics Canada Conference, where the intriguing theme was the theology of technology. I have to say, right from the start, this event was incredible! The lineup of keynote speakers was phenomenal, and the topics in the breakout sessions were thought-provoking and timely.

My role involved tackling the complex relationship between sexuality, human identity, and technology. True to my style, I may have tried to cram in a bit too much material into my allotted time, which might have made me sound like a podcast playing at double speed! The interplay between sexuality and technology is undeniably vast and nuanced, and summarizing it in under 35 minutes is no small feat. Yet, I gave it my all.

As I prepared for this event, I found myself deeply troubled by state of our society and the concerning path it seems to be on. However, I’ve learned to hold onto a sense of hope—I see Jesus seated on the throne, ruling over all. While the enemy may roar like a fierce lion, he’s merely a dog on a leash, ultimately subject to the Lord and the victorious church that Jesus is establishing. Still, we can't ignore that bad ideas lead to bad consequences—especially when discussing critical issues like human identity, sexuality, and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Throughout history, we’ve seen how sexual immorality often rides the coattails of technological progress. Consider our distant ancestors, who, shortly after discovering that charcoal could be used to leave marks on cave walls, decided to illustrate pornographic scenes alongside their historical records. Fast forward to the late 1970s, when the Sony Betamax videotape hit the scene. If you’re unfamiliar with this relic, just ask someone with white hair and a senior’s discount —they can fill you in! Despite its innovative nature, Betamax’s reign was short-lived, thanks to the emergence of the JVC VHS format (which now occupy dusty shelves of countless thrift stores and home basements alike.)

The battle between these two video technologies is particularly fascinating because it wasn’t just marketing prowess or picture quality that led to the VHS’s victory. Surprisingly, it was the adult film industry that championed VHS, effectively sealing the Betamax’s fate almost overnight. Fast forward to more recent times: why did the Blu-ray disc triumph over the HD DVD format? Once again, the answer lies with the adult entertainment industry. In a nutshell, the relationship between technology and the distortion of sexuality is a tale as old as time. Paul Saffo, former director of the Institute For The Future, a tech consultant company that helped businesses stay in step with technological advances, explained it like this,

“The simple fact is porn is an early adopter of new media. If you’re trying to get something established ... you’re going to privately and secretly hope and pray that the porn industry likes your medium.”

The logical question to ask is, “What is the next technological advancement that the sex industry will capitalize on?” And an even more important question is, “What does this mean for humanity?” What if technology isn't just changing our way of life, but also reshaping our very identities?

In an era where AI and robotics are advancing rapidly—helping to create amazing AI-generated art, write rap battles between historical figures, or even drive our cars—we see that this technology is also poised to revolutionize human sexuality. We have already witnessed significant developments in "Deepfake" video technology, which allows one person's face (or even a doctored face) to be digitally superimposed on another person's face. What you might think is Joe Rogan endorsing a product in a YouTube ad could just be someone in their basement with a green screen and a business startup idea. (Sorry, you are probably not getting your money back.)

Unfortunately, this technology has an even darker side; it's being misused in the realm of pornography. Celebrities have woken up to viral videos, of their face superimposed on a body engaged in sexual acts. (I find it interesting that most of Hollywood is against the Christian sexual ethic until it hits home and they realize their consent has been stomped all over. But more on that another time.)

Moreover, the sex-bot industry is advancing rapidly, blurring the lines between human beings and artificial creations. It seems that the relationship between technology and human identity, as well as sexuality, is leading to a gradual erosion of what makes us distinctively human. We are transforming persons into pixels and from dignified beings, designed for intimate relationships, to interfaced robotics. We are losing our understanding of what it truly means to be human.

I know this may seem old-fashioned and very un-2025, but just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. I know, groundbreaking wisdom, right? In our era of glorifying progress, we risk losing the wisdom and, in some cases, even the ability to pause and ask deeper ethical and moral questions. Modern technology is leading to an ontological crisis. In simple terms, it's reshaping what is real.

This type of technology, with its rapid advancements can, and is, framing reality as something to be controlled, optimized, and exploited. This perspective fosters an instrumental view of existence, where everything, including others humans, is seen as a resource rather than as something with intrinsic value. The metaphysical crisis of modern technology is not merely about tools outpacing our control but about a fundamental shift in how we experience and define reality. If what it means to be real or to be human is reduced to algorithmic patterns or pixels on a screen, we risk losing the understanding of what makes us truly human. Being an image bearer.

So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

There's a lot to explore regarding the significance of humanity bearing God's image. One foundational point to acknowledge is that humans are made for relationships connecting person to person, face to face. In Genesis 1:26, we see God proclaiming, “Let Us make man in Our image.” Although we won't go into all the dynamics of the Trinity, it's important to note that the image we bear reflects an integrated relationship. The Trinity consists of three persons but is one God, and these persons exist in a unified relationship with one another.

This is why, after creating Adam in the garden, God observes, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). The Hebrew word for "alone" used here is "bad" (ironic I know). This term not only means alone or by oneself but also signifies a strong sense of being separated. God creates a suitable helper for Adam because the image is not complete without the unity of the three: God, man, and woman coming together in a harmonious relationship.

Andy Steiger, Founder and President of Apologetics Canada, stated in his session at this year's event, “We aren’t made for the artificial but for the real.” This statement couldn't be more accurate. Although we have become increasingly connected through FaceTime and video call platforms, the truth is that we are meant for more. We are made for genuine connection and authentic fellowship.

As followers of Christ and members of the church of Jesus, we must provide more than just a virtual reality experience for a world yearning for community. When we consider the gospel narrative, one of its central themes is the incarnation of Christ. He did not come as a mere thought, idea, text message, or hologram. He came and lived life among us, in flesh and blood. What the world needs is for us to tell a better story—the story of a God who bridged the gap created by our rebellion and came in our likeness. This type of relationship cannot be fulfilled by ChatGPT or any AI-generated platform; it can only be found in the vulnerable and authentic connections between individuals.

While there will be redeemable avenues of technology that offer opportunities for the gospel, we must not overlook the value of face-to-face connection. We need to think critically and not just go with the flow of society. As called-out people, i.e. the church, we must live a counter-cultural embodied life. Not a disintegrated and pleasure-driven one. As leaders, this means we must speak to the realities of human existence and show how God has designed us for the good life—a life in rich relationship with both Him and others.

- Bryan Pue