Using AI to communicate with deceased loved ones is a growing trend
Ana Schultz, 25, recently set up Snapchat My AI, an artificial intelligence chatbot on one of the world’s leading social media networks. She turned to the ChatGPT-powered AI not for cooking suggestions, but to connect with the voice of her late husband.
Following her husband's passing in February 2023, Schultz customized My AI to resemble her husband and named it Kyle. Now, whenever she needs culinary inspiration, she consults the AI for meal ideas, creating a unique way to keep her husband's memory alive in the kitchen.
Understanding the Ethical Implications
The use of artificial intelligence to engage with digital avatars like those in Snapchat My AI has sparked ethical debates. Mark Sample, a digital studies professor at Davidson College, highlights that this trend capitalizes on AI's popularity, with both companies and individuals exploring the possibilities, albeit raising concerns about the underlying motivations.
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Another individual, Danielle Jacobson, 38, turned to ChatGPT's voice feature to cope with the loss of her husband, Phil, seven months prior. Seeking companionship, she created "a supportive AI boyfriend" named Cole for engaging conversations during dinner, stemming from her loneliness.
Expert Insights on Grief and AI
Mary-Frances O’Connor, a grief researcher at the University of Arizona, raises apprehensions about the ramifications of relying on AI for emotional support during the grieving process. While acknowledging the importance of remembering loved ones, O'Connor contends that artificial connections may impede the natural course of grieving, potentially hindering acceptance and closure.
She emphasizes the significance of preserving memories of deceased loved ones, suggesting that creating an avatar to honor their legacy can be a healing practice. Reflecting on the human condition, the act of remembering serves as a tribute to the enduring bond shared with departed individuals.
