Using A.I. to Communicate with Deceased Loved Ones
Discover how artificial intelligence chatbots are being used to create avatars of departed loved ones, providing comfort for some and raising ethical concerns for others.
Speaking with the Departed
Dr. Stephenie Lucas Oney, an endocrinologist, uses HereAfter AI to communicate with her deceased father, William Lucas. The app generates responses in her father's voice based on hours of interviews conducted before his passing.
While the use of A.I. technology as part of the mourning process has brought comfort to some, it has also raised ethical questions and left others feeling unsettled.
Dr. Oney primarily created the profile on HereAfter AI for her children and grandchildren. She wants them to hear stories and advice from their late grandfather in his own voice, providing a unique perspective.
Connecting with the Beyond
HereAfter AI and StoryFile are two platforms that allow people to interact with deceased loved ones through artificial intelligence. These technologies generate responses based on prompts answered by users, creating the illusion of a conversation with the deceased.
The emergence of these platforms aligns with the historical fascination with using new technology to communicate with the dead. Examples include Thomas Edison's unsuccessful attempt to invent a 'spirit phone.'
StoryFile offers both studio and laptop-based versions for creating interactive videos. These videos can then be used in memorial services or passed down as a legacy for future generations.
Contemplating Mortality
While these A.I. innovations offer a unique way to grieve and remember loved ones, they also force users to confront mortality, which can be uncomfortable for some.
James Vlahos, a co-founder of HereAfter AI, acknowledges the squeamishness surrounding death and loss. He believes that the reality of mortality is something people would rather avoid, making it challenging to market these technologies.
However, for many individuals, interacting with these A.I.-powered avatars or videos provides a sense of comfort and connection to their deceased loved ones.
