Chatting with the Dead via AI
They call it "Grief Tech" and I have more questions than answers.
Morning y’all!
It’s been a busy week and I’ve been able to get quite a bit done in my new gig (I’m almost finished all of the boring onboarding!) and even start producing some meaningful value for the company — which, of course, is what everyone wants.
As you know, there’s always a bit of nerves when you start anything new and the anxiety of getting to know a lot of new people combined with trying to figure out where everything is and how folks get stuff done (culture) can make one lose more than just a little sleep. I think I have bags under my eyes. Ooph.
But as I close out week 2 I know that I’ve made it and that the job, while not perfect, is a good spot for me to sit for a while as I put into practice a lot that I’ve learned in the past few years in regards to (generative) AI. Let’s hope it lasts!
Sadly, not all things last and that’s what I want to cover a bit in today’s newsletter. Specifically, our lives. We all will eventually meet our maker and we will leave all that we love behind. At least until the advent of artificial intelligence.
Kinda. Sorta. Or something like that.
There’s been a rise of technology startups that are attempting to use AI to take existing material — like audio, video, and images — and turn them into products specifically targeting older folks.
For instance, this South Korean startup Hydrol has released a $1,500+ AI-powered companion to help alleviate loneliness. The doll uses LLMs to engage in conversations that provide emotional support to seniors and you can even program medication reminders, health coaching, add music, and more.
The startup says that they’ve reduced depression in their first batch of users and improved medication use as well. South Korea’s government is all about it (and they aren’t the only ones).
Wow.
But let’s take this to the next level. What about communicating with the dead? There are a number of startups that are doing this! Here’s a list of projects and news articles that I’ve been tracking with interest — give them a look and read:
Son resurrects dead father.
William Shatner forever.
AI Chatbots and dead relatives. Digital immortality.
Laurie Anderson made a chatbot of Lou Reed.
Is “Dead Tech” the new frontier? What about the legality and ethics?
Taiwanese entertainer replicates dead daughter.
Why scientists are bringing people back from the dead.
Elliq for happier, healthier aging.
The rise of “Grief Tech” or “Digital Necromancy”.
Are we ready for digital clones?
Is this just a growing burden on the living?
It certainly does feel a bit Black Mirror-ish but I’m not surprised in the slightest that many folks will want to do this for themselves and for their loved ones. And, in general, I’m personally not opposed to the experimentation of new technologies that push and challenge the way we think about its use.
Are there privacy concerns? Yes. Are there legal and ethical things to consider. No doubt. Are there security protocols that need to be built or redefined? Sure. But humans are in need of connection, from the moment we are born until we pass on to the great beyond and I see that fundamental need never, ever dying.
※\(^o^)/※
— Summer