TL;DR:
- Start-ups are using AI technology to help people stay connected with departed loved ones, raising ethical concerns.
- DeepBrain AI and StoryFile offer digital replicas of deceased individuals using video footage and AI tools.
- Entrepreneur Pratik Desai suggests creating autonomous avatars of the deceased, sparking controversy.
- Replika provides personalized conversational robots, but they are not specifically designed for recreating lost loved ones.
- Somnium Space aims to create virtual clones that can exist in a parallel universe after death.
- The technology allows avatars to say things the deceased never uttered, posing philosophical challenges.
- Interacting with AI versions of deceased individuals can aid in a closure, especially in cases of complicated grief.
- Trust and control remain significant concerns for users considering virtual contact with loved ones.
Main AI News:
In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the power of artificial intelligence (AI) has extended its reach even beyond death. Several start-ups have emerged, promising to keep us connected with our departed loved ones, albeit raising significant ethical concerns along the way.
Meet Ryu Sun-yun, a woman who finds solace in front of a microphone and a massive screen displaying her deceased husband. As she watches a video demo, tears stream down her face as her husband speaks to her. It’s a semblance of a conversation, a brief moment of connection in the midst of her grief.
Lee Byeong-hwal, a 76-year-old South Korean facing terminal cancer, sought the assistance of start-up DeepBrain AI when he learned about his condition. Using several hours of video footage, DeepBrain AI created a digital replica of Lee, a testament to their “Rememory” program. Joseph Murphy, the head of development at DeepBrain AI, emphasizes that they do not fabricate new content or generate sentences that the deceased would have never uttered. Instead, their focus lies on preserving and validating the deceased’s authentic words and experiences. Murphy acknowledges that this particular niche is not a significant growth area for the company, emphasizing the sensitivity and careful approach required.
StoryFile, another company in this domain, has enlisted the help of 92-year-old “Star Trek” actor William Shatner to promote its platform. Stephen Smith, the company’s CEO, describes their approach as capturing the essence of an individual and then utilizing AI tools to create a personalized experience. Thousands of users have embraced StoryFile’s Life service, finding solace and connection through their innovative solution.
Entrepreneur Pratik Desai stirred up controversy when he suggested the idea of preserving audio or video recordings of loved ones, envisioning the possibility of creating autonomous avatars of deceased individuals. Desai’s statement ignited a firestorm on Twitter, prompting him to later clarify his intentions and express regret for any unintended harm caused. The delicate ethical nature of this realm requires utmost caution and sensitivity, as Stephen Smith acknowledges.
For Russian engineer Eugenia Kyuda, the tragic loss of her best friend in a car accident in 2015 prompted her to create a “chatbot” named Roman. By feeding thousands of text messages that Roman had sent to loved ones, Kyuda developed Replika, a platform offering sophisticated conversational robots. It is essential to note that Replika is not designed explicitly to recreate lost loved ones, as stated by a company spokesperson. Instead, it provides users with personalized conversational experiences tailored to their needs.
Somnium Space, a London-based company, envisions a future where virtual clones of individuals can exist in a parallel universe even while they are alive, ensuring their existence continues after death. CEO Artur Sychov acknowledges that this concept may not appeal to everyone but believes those who desire such an experience will have the opportunity to meet their departed loved ones in the realm of AI.
With the advancements in generative AI, avatars of deceased individuals can now say things they never uttered in their lifetime. Joseph Murphy from DeepBrain AI acknowledges the philosophical challenges posed by this technology, emphasizing that the current plan is not to cross that line. However, he also recognizes that the future is unpredictable, leaving room for possibilities yet to be explored.
Researchers studying this topic, such as Candi Cann from Baylor University, argue that interacting with an AI version of a deceased person can aid in the closure process, particularly in situations involving complicated grief stemming from abuse or trauma. On the other hand, Mari Dias, a professor of medical psychology at Johnson & Wales University, has encountered patients who express reservations and a lack of trust in AI. They fear that the avatar might say something they are unwilling to accept, raising concerns about their control over the interaction.
Conclusion:
The emergence of AI chatbots in the bereavement industry offers new possibilities for staying connected with departed loved ones. However, ethical questions and concerns surrounding privacy, trust, and control must be carefully addressed. While some individuals find solace in these digital interactions, the market must navigate the fine line between providing comfort and respecting the boundaries of the deceased and the bereaved. Striking the right balance will be crucial for the long-term success and acceptance of such technologies in the market.
