Answer
Generally speaking, materialistic people become fascinated and attached.
Devotees become fascinated, but detached.
What does that mean?
We appreciate intelligence wherever it appears because intelligence is ultimately a manifestation of the Lord's energy. However, our attitude is different.
Our thinking is:
"How can this be used in Kṛṣṇa's service?"
Let people work very hard developing AI and new technologies. When useful tools are produced, devotees can engage them in Kṛṣṇa's service.
Śrīla Prabhupāda once gave the example that rats work very hard digging tunnels and building homes, and then a snake enters, eats the rats, and comfortably occupies the residence.
Similarly, we need not become obsessed with inventing everything ourselves. If useful tools are available, we may use them for Kṛṣṇa.
However, this process of yukta-vairāgya must be practiced carefully under proper guidance.
Using technology is like fishing in a pond.
You may go there intending to catch fish. But when you cast the bait, something else may catch hold of you instead.
Similarly, while trying to use technology to help others, māyā may use the same technology to capture us.
Therefore, devotees should use such tools carefully, under the guidance of senior devotees and spiritual authorities.
We are also fascinated by AI because we see reflections of Kṛṣṇa's intelligence within it. Our own body is already a sophisticated biological machine. Scientists may create robots and advanced systems, but they can never manufacture a soul or create consciousness.
Even today, scientists continue researching consciousness, often trying to explain it merely as a product of the brain. Yet consciousness itself remains beyond their grasp.
Therefore, devotees appreciate technological advancement, but their primary concern is:
"How can this be engaged in Kṛṣṇa's service?"
When used under the direction of Guru and Kṛṣṇa, anything in this world can be engaged in devotional service.
Regarding universal intelligence, we observe that every living entity instinctively knows certain things:
Ants know what is food.
Snakes know what is food.
Cats know what is food.
Animals know what is beneficial and what is dangerous.
There is a common, universal intelligence operating throughout creation.
This intelligence is not merely a product of chance evolution or accidental development. Rather, it points to an all-pervading source of intelligence behind all living beings.
That common source is the Supreme Personality present as Paramātmā, the Supersoul.
Thus, the universal intelligence observed throughout creation ultimately originates from Kṛṣṇa Himself.
