Think twice before using AI to digitally resurrect a dead loved one: So-called ... trends now
The idea of using artificial intelligence (AI) to digitally resurrect a dead loved one might sound like a plot from the latest episode of Black Mirror.
But these so-called 'griefbots', 'deadbots' or 'deathbots' have slowly but surely become a reality, with several firms now offering the service.
Now, researchers from the University of Cambridge have warned that these bots could cause psychological harm and even digitally 'haunt' those left behind.
'These services run the risk of causing huge distress to people if they are subjected to unwanted digital hauntings from alarmingly accurate AI recreations of those they have lost,' said co-author Dr Tomasz Hollanek.
'The potential psychological effect, particularly at an already difficult time, could be devastating.'
The idea of using artificial intelligence (AI) to digitally resurrect a dead loved one might sound like a plot from the latest episode of Black Mirror. But these so-called 'griefbots', 'deadbots' or 'deathbots' have slowly but surely become a reality, with several firms now offering the service (stock image)
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In their study, ethicists at Cambridge's Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence examined three hypothetical scenarios likely to emerge as part of the fast-growing 'digital afterlife industry'.
Firstly, the bots could be used to surreptitiously advertise products from beyond the grave or cremation urn, the authors warn.
Secondly, they could distress children by insisting a dead parent is still 'with you'.
And finally, the departed could be used to spam surviving family and friends with reminders and updates about the services they provide – a scenario they describe as being 'stalked by the dead'.
The initial comfort of the familiar face of the loved one may become emotionally draining, they add.
One potential scenario - labelled 'Manana' by the researchers – is the creation of a deceased grandmother without consent of the 'data donor' – the dead grandparent
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Existing platforms offering the digital afterlife service include Project December, and Hereafter.
But several big players are also looking at the market.
In January 2021, Microsoft was granted a patent for chatbot that could use the data of a person to 'respond like someone you knew'.
Dr Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska, study co-author, said: 'Rapid advancements in generative AI mean that nearly anyone with Internet access and some basic know-how can revive a deceased loved one.
'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
