Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing our understanding of mortality through the development of digital avatars, which act as ‘digital twins’ of deceased individuals. These avatars allow for simulated interactions and the continuation of a person’s legacy. The technology raises significant ethical and psychological questions about grief, authenticity, and the potential risks of remaining connected to the deceased. While offering comfort, especially during key moments, there are concerns about the implications for mourning and the nature of the data used to create these digital representations.
The Integration of AI in Life and Death: Exploring Digital Avatars
Artificial intelligence has permeated various aspects of human existence, including the profound realm of mortality. One notable innovation is the creation of digital avatars, which serve as ‘digital twins’ of the deceased, facilitating communication beyond the grave.
Michael Bommer, who was faced with terminal colon cancer, made the decision to embrace a form of artificial intelligence to continue his existence posthumously. His aspiration was to collaborate with a Silicon Valley startup that specializes in offering virtual immortality.
During his lifetime, Bommer, a tech industry professional, devoted time to training an AI, inputting extensive information about his personal experiences and memories. His journey, documented by ARD Wissen, provides a glimpse into this uncharted territory of digital afterlife.
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Understanding the ‘Digital Twin’ Concept
How does this innovative technology operate, and what potential risks does it entail? The startup Eternos, among others, presents its services in a manner reminiscent of early 2000s science fiction narratives. Their description suggests that a ‘digital twin’ can encapsulate and share our voice, knowledge, and legacy, making it available even when we are no longer present.
This digital counterpart, powered by generative AI, requires extensive training and data input. Individuals can voluntarily contribute various types of information, including voice recordings, chat logs, personal anecdotes, and professional histories. Additionally, publicly available information from the internet can also be utilized. The application promises that mourners can engage in conversation with a representation of their loved ones for as long as they desire.
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The Effects on the Grieving Process
What implications does this technology have for those in mourning, including friends and family of the deceased? Can it truly ease the process of saying goodbye?
Grief is inherently personal, as emphasized by Katrin Döveling, a media psychology professor at the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt. She advocates for the Dual Process Model of grief, which views mourning as a nonlinear experience characterized by alternating phases of loss and future-oriented adaptation where individuals learn to rebuild their lives and redefine their connections to the departed.
In this light, Döveling suggests that AI could play a supportive role, particularly during significant occasions such as anniversaries or holidays. ‘Those in mourning often feel a strong desire to connect with the deceased. A digital avatar can facilitate this intimacy and connection,’ she explains. Additionally, it offers a platform for the grieving individual to express their thoughts and feelings through simulated conversations.
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Emerging Questions and Ethical Concerns
However, this technology brings forth numerous questions, according to Karsten Weber, co-director of the Institute for Social Research and Technology Assessment (IST) at OTH Regensburg. ‘Who is truly speaking through the avatar? Is it merely an advanced search engine with a more sophisticated conversational style?’ Weber expresses skepticism regarding the effectiveness of such technology in the grieving process, suggesting that heartfelt letters may offer more solace.
From a psychological standpoint, there are significant risks, as noted by Katrin Döveling. For instance, individuals may become trapped in their grief: ‘Constantly reaching out to the deceased may hinder their ability to engage with the world and move forward.’ Additionally, the nature of the avatar’s responses must be scrutinized. Are the messages from the AI truly reflective of the deceased’s spirit and the feelings of their loved ones? ‘What if the avatar says something confusing or triggering?’ This could potentially complicate the grieving journey, she warns.
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Avatars: Projections of Desire
Despite any semblance of authenticity, these avatars remain curated and externally governed representations, according to Jessica Heesen, a media ethicist at the University of Tübingen.
Digital avatars can be seen as projections of both the deceased, who provides selective information to the AI, and the mourners, who harbor illusions of their loved ones. This dynamic can significantly shape the grieving experience, Heesen asserts. It’s crucial to safeguard the interests of those in mourning, granting them the autonomy to dictate their healing process. Additionally, the topic of child and youth protection must also be addressed.
Moreover, free ad-supported services raise concerns. Such avatars or bots may produce misleading statements that could adversely affect both the bereaved and the deceased, Heesen cautions. ‘I also question when an AI should be deactivated. Is that akin to a second death? Who decides when it’s time to turn it off?’ This leads to further inquiries regarding the fate of the collected data. Will this information be utilized to enhance other AI models? Such matters remain uncertain, and the handling of personal data raises significant ethical considerations, as noted by Karsten Weber.
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The Economics of AI Companionship
An economic aspect also comes into play. Paid services devoid of advertisements require financial investment—often involving both an initial fee and a recurring monthly subscription, much like digital streaming services. Consequently, these AI companions must effectively cater to the desires and needs of users to ensure long-term engagement and loyalty.
Karsten Weber highlights a concern in this area. Many elderly individuals may find their social circles dwindling, especially following the loss of a partner. The allure of AI as a source of companionship can be enticing during such challenging times. ‘This represents a ‘technological fix,’ wherein we attempt to address societal issues through technology rather than confronting the root causes of loneliness and the breakdown of social networks,’ he explains.
Returning to Michael Bommer’s experience, who ultimately succumbed to cancer, his wife expressed a nuanced view of the technology. She stated that she would only engage with it as long as it felt beneficial to her. The AI cannot substitute for her husband or preserve his life; however, she finds comfort in its ability to evoke cherished memories or alleviate her longing during difficult moments.
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