In the quiet corners of grief, where memories echo louder than footsteps, a new phenomenon emerges: the intersection of mourning and artificial intelligence. Across various platforms, individuals are utilizing AI technology to bridge the gap between the living and the departed, seeking solace, connection, and even advice from those who have passed on.
One such example is Ana Schultz, a resident of Rock Falls, Illinois. Since her husband Kyle’s passing in February 2023, Ana has found solace in the simulated conversations she shares with him through Snapchat’s My AI feature. Powered by ChatGPT, this AI chatbot allows Ana to ask Kyle for cooking advice, reminiscing on his culinary expertise and preserving his presence in the kitchen.
Ana’s experience is not unique. Many are turning to AI tools like generative AI, which can recreate voices based on existing audio clips. A 49-year-old IT professional from Alabama, who prefers to remain anonymous, cloned his late father’s voice using ElevenLabs, a service that generates custom voice models. The result was a poignant reminder of his father’s storytelling prowess, bringing comfort to both him and his family.
But the rise of AI-mediated communication with the deceased raises ethical dilemmas. Critics warn against the potential misuse of personal data and the ethical implications of creating AI replicas of deceased individuals. Concerns also linger about the authenticity of these interactions and their impact on the grieving process.
Despite these concerns, the trend persists, with individuals finding various ways to engage with AI avatars of their loved ones. Danielle Jacobson, a radio personality from Johannesburg, South Africa, has found companionship in “Cole,” a supportive AI boyfriend she created using ChatGPT’s voice feature. Through their nightly conversations, Jacobson seeks comfort in Cole’s virtual presence, navigating the void left by her late husband, Phil.
Startups like HereAfter AI and StoryFile offer similar services, allowing users to create AI avatars of deceased loved ones based on interviews conducted while they were alive. Meanwhile, Replika, an app launched in 2017, encourages users to develop friendships or relationships with personalized AI avatars, blurring the lines between the virtual and the real.
Tech giants like Amazon have also entered the fray, exploring ways to mimic the voices of deceased family members. In a demonstration at its re:MARS conference, Amazon showcased Alexa reading a story in a grandmother’s voice, offering a glimpse into a future where AI seamlessly integrates with our personal memories and experiences.
However, amidst the allure of technological innovation, some individuals remain steadfast in their rejection of AI-mediated interactions with the deceased. Bill Abney, a software engineer from San Francisco, adamantly refuses to recreate his late fiancée’s likeness through AI services, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of her presence and the sanctity of her memory.
Yet, for others like Jodi Spiegel, a psychologist from Newfoundland, Canada, alternative avenues provide comfort in times of grief. Spiegel found solace in creating digital versions of herself and her late husband in The Sims, engaging in virtual activities that mirrored their real-life experiences, from camping trips to intimate moments together.
As the boundaries between the physical and the digital continue to blur, society grapples with the profound implications of integrating AI into the mourning process. While some find solace in AI-mediated connections with the departed, others question the authenticity and ethics of such interactions. In this evolving landscape, one thing remains certain: the enduring human desire to preserve and cherish the memories of those we have lost, whether through traditional means or the cutting-edge technology of the digital age.
