The future of AI grows to online chatbots resembling deceased loved ones to aid in the process of grief. (rawpixel.com / Saharat Sakuldit)
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a challenging journey, often marked by a deep yearning for connection and a desire to preserve cherished memories. In recent years, technological advancements have ushered in a novel approach to address this universal human experience—creating artificial intelligence (AI) representations of deceased relatives. While the concept may seem futuristic and even ethereal, the potential for these digital counterparts to provide solace and comfort in times of grief is gaining traction. This article explores the emerging trend of implementing AI-driven simulations of departed loved ones and delves into the ways in which these digital entities serve as a source of solace for those navigating the path of mourning.
You, Only Virtual, an AI company, has developed technology that creates chatbots modeled after deceased loved ones. The founder, Justin Harrison, used technology to create an AI mom after his mother died. Justin envisions that these chatbots will reduce feelings of grief by enabling people to interact with a virtual version of their loved ones. The chatbots are designed to generate original written or audio responses, mimicking the voice and communication style of the deceased person, and modeling their relationship and bonding with the user. This technology holds the potential to revolutionize the way people cope with the loss of their loved ones.
Tom Moll, the coordinator of mental health services said, “AI will be a blessing and a curse, like all of our evolving technology. How it is used will determine if it is helpful or hurtful. For instance, AI imitating the deceased can serve as a way to heal and find closure during a time of loss. For others, such technology would serve as a vehicle to detach from reality and not move forward after losing loved ones.”
Andrew Gaines, psychology advisor, said, “With anything fairly new in the field of psychology, my default answer is that time will tell. Some might view AI as a step beyond looking at old photos, listening to songs or visiting travel destinations that remind you of a deceased loved one. I think, like with many things, moderation and intent are key. I do see a positive use so far as future generations being able to catch a glimpse of their deceased loved one- perhaps even find closure, which I feel might be a stretch.”
There are several theories related to grief and mourning and the process required to move through those stages successfully. What they all have in common is working through the longing, the memory triggers, the anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays and reconciling that with the life that’s in front of you. Key to this reintegration is the ability to have a healthy amount of “letting-go.” We know that behaviors aimed to keep the deceased loved-one close to us, by means such as holding on to personal effects, frequent grave sight visits, an overabundance of combing through pictures, is associated with poorer mental health outcomes. To me, AI seems to be an extreme extension of these types of behaviors. Again, time will tell once we put the use of this technology through the rigors of research. My hunch is more bad than good. As mentioned, we are a long way from inferring any scientific conclusion about the effectiveness of this as a therapeutic approach, as we have yet to even establish that it will do no harm. Again, time will tell.
The preservation of memories and emotions takes center stage in this exploration, as AI endeavors to encapsulate the essence of an individual through a vast array of data. The emotional impact of engaging with a virtual counterpart offers a nuanced perspective on the ways in which technology can play a role in preserving the legacy and impact of those we hold dear.
For more information about this topic, watch the documentary, “Meeting You”.
