What’s the difference between being a person and being human?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but theologian and computer science professor Anne Foerst has studied their differences for years as an expert on artificial intelligence. Now, she said, Facebook is influencing some of the core concepts that make humans human — the ideas of friendship, commitment and acceptance of imperfections.

“People keep social hopping; the idea of having a commitment to a group of people and taking them as they are is already loosening,” said Foerst, a professor at St. Bonaventure University. “Facebook reinforces that trend, especially in our young generation. I personally find that deeply disturbing.”

Foerst will discuss social media’s influence on personhood and community — particularly religious community — at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Hall of Philosophy.