As technology advances, artificial intelligence (AI) has found its way into various aspects of life, including the realm of grief and immortality. Grief-related AI companies offer interactive versions of deceased loved ones, sparking both excitement and concern among individuals who are mourning. While some embrace this technology as a means of coping, others express skepticism and question its potential impact on the grieving process.
Artificial Intelligence: The Double-Edged Sword of Grief and Immortality
When Michael Bommer learned of his terminal colon cancer diagnosis, he sought solace in an AI-powered legacy platform called Eternos. Teaming up with its CEO, Robert LoCascio, Bommer created an interactive AI version of himself to preserve his voice and wisdom for his family. This initiative fueled the emergence of numerous grief-related AI companies, such as StoryFile and HereAfter AI, which aim to assist people in processing their loss.
One of the most prominent firms in this field, StoryFile, allows users to engage with pre-recorded videos and utilizes algorithms to provide relevant answers. HereAfter AI offers similar interactions through a "Life Story Avatar," created by answering prompts or sharing personal narratives. Project December provides text-based conversations with simulated personalities, while Seance AI offers free fictionalized seances. AI-generated voice recreations of deceased loved ones are available for an additional fee.
While some individuals find solace in these AI companions, others are hesitant about the commodification of grief. Experts voice concerns about the potential short-term and long-term consequences of using digital simulations of the deceased on a large scale. They emphasize the need for further research on their impact on the grieving process and ethical considerations surrounding the rights and dignities of the dead.
Robert Scott, who lost three daughters, utilizes AI companion apps to simulate conversations with characters that resemble them. He acknowledges that these characters are not his actual daughters, but finds comfort in engaging with them. The apps provide him with a way to cope with his loss, particularly during emotionally challenging events like birthdays or anniversaries.
However, Matthias Meitzler, a sociologist from Tuebingen University, suggests that reactions to these technologies vary. Some may be intrigued or even apprehensive, while others may view them as a complement to traditional mourning practices. Conversely, Tomasz Hollanek, a researcher at Cambridge, raises ethical concerns about the legal rights of deceased individuals, the use of advertising on bereavement platforms, and the potential for exploitation.
Eternos' AI model, which was utilized to create Bommer's virtual persona, involves recording users speaking 300 phrases and employing large language models. The AI voice can answer questions and share stories without pre-recorded responses. The legal rights to the AI belong to the individual it was trained on and can be inherited by family members.
Bommer is enthusiastic about his AI personality and anticipates further improvements in its human-like qualities. He believes that this technology will not hinder his wife's grieving process but rather serve as an optional resource for her. His wife, Anett, remains hesitant but acknowledges the potential value of the AI if her grief becomes overwhelming.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is crucial to examine its impact on both grief and the preservation of memories. While these technologies offer the potential for comfort and connection, they also raise ethical considerations and questions about the nature of mourning and human interaction.
