Griefbots: Beware of Digitally Resurrecting the Dead Say Scientists
AI 'Griefbots' May Haunt Users According to Cambridge University Researchers
If you’re a fan of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, you’ll likely remember the episode when Kim Kardashian was gifted a hologram of her late father, Robert Kardashian, by Kanye West.
The moment, which occurred during Kim's 40th birthday celebration, was quite emotional and surreal. The hologram of Robert Kardashian delivered a personalised message to Kim, expressing pride in her accomplishments and reminiscing about their past. The experience was deeply touching for the reality TV star turned business mogul, bringing back vivid memories of her father, who passed away in 2003.
Using cutting-edge technology and AI, the hologram was able to replicate Robert's voice and appearance, adding a powerful sense of presence to the message. "For my birthday, Kanye got me the most thoughtful gift of a lifetime," Kim told fans, "A special surprise from heaven. A hologram of my dad. It is so lifelike and we watched it over and over, filled with lots of tears and emotion.”
This deeply personal and emotional use of advanced technology underscores the possibilities and perils of digital resurrection. It serves as a poignant example of how AI can bring a semblance of life to our deepest memories and lost loved ones. This unique gift from ‘Ye’ was criticised by some, and praised by others - who highlighted not only the possibilities of modern technology but also his intention to create a deeply personal and memorable moment for Kim on her milestone birthday.
Fast forward to 2024 and researchers at the University of Cambridge are delving into what they call the "digital afterlife industry." Their latest study warns that while the technology offers comfort, it might also lead to unexpected psychological strains on those who are mourning.
The ability to "speak" to the deceased through AI-driven platforms such as ‘griefbots’ or ‘deadbots’ - similar to the hologram presented to Kardashian - poses serious ethical and emotional challenges. These platforms use generative AI to enable text and voice conversations with the deceased by mining their digital footprints left online, creating a lifelike presence that can be both soothing and unsettling.
While Kardashian's experience was controlled and likely crafted with immense care, everyday interactions with digital afterlives might not be as finely tuned. The burgeoning industry, gaining traction in places like China, risks creating scenarios that could feel more haunting than healing.
The Cambridge researchers illustrate this with potential situations where AI could exploit vulnerabilities: imagine a child tricked into believing they're speaking to a deceased parent, or a widow receiving commercial pitches from a simulation of her late spouse.
The study calls for robust ethical guidelines to navigate these waters, suggesting features like an "off" button to allow users to disengage with the technology when overwhelmed. This safeguard, they argue, is as crucial as ensuring the technology respects the privacy and consent of both the departed and the living.
As this field evolves, it is becoming clear that our approach to the digital afterlife must be as carefully considered as our engagement with the living. This ensures that as we explore the potential of AI to bridge the gap between past and present, we do not lose sight of the need for dignity and respect in remembrance.