Artificial intelligence experts have warned against the dangers of digital afterlife programs that can bring back a deceased relative through the digital footprints they left behind.
Technology has come a long way in recent years and we are now alive to experience everything from AI phone integration to AI dating. Through said power, coders have now been able to create bots to replicate your loved one’s voice, personality, and attitude.
What is the digital afterlife?
Researchers at the University of Cambridge delved into the digital afterlife through what they referred to as Deadbots and Griefbots. These AI bots employ digital data to simulate the language patterns and personality traits of the dead, with some companies already offering the controversial service. Their findings were published in the Philosophy and Technology journal.
The researchers described the niche area as “high risk” as they explained a few of the scenarios that could pop up as a result. Firstly, they argued that signing up to be “digitally recreated” when you die could be distressing for your friends, family, and even pets.
Comparing it to being digitally “stalked by the dead”, they further argued that your family would receive unsolicited notifications and marketing about further services.
“Rapid advancements in generative AI mean that nearly anyone with Internet access and some basic know-how can revive a deceased loved one,” said Dr Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska, study co-author. “This area of AI is an ethical minefield. It’s important to prioritise the dignity of the deceased, and ensure that this isn’t encroached on by financial motives of digital afterlife services, for example.”
She further said that family could be confronted with the digital replica without even knowing of its existence beforehand.
One particular scenario stood out
Though digital afterlife services obviously pose countless issues for the bereaved and recently deceased, one hypothetical idea stands above the rest as the most horrifying.
Called “MaNana”, the scenario wonders what would happen if an adult grandchild was able to communicate with their deceased grandmother. Though initially impressed by the service, the grandchild suddenly recieved advertisements in the style of their dead grandmother once the “premium trial” had ended.
Dr Tomasz Hollanek noted: “People might develop strong emotional bonds with such simulations, which will make them particularly vulnerable to manipulation. Methods and even rituals for retiring deadbots in a dignified way should be considered. This may mean a form of digital funeral, for example, or other types of ceremony depending on the social context.”
“We recommend design protocols that prevent deadbots being utilized in disrespectful ways, such as for advertising or having an active presence on social media.”
