How AI is helping people cope with the loss of their loved ones
Losing a loved one is one of the most painful experiences that anyone can go through. The grief and longing can last for years, and sometimes it feels like there is no closure or comfort. But what if you could still talk to your deceased relative, hear their voice, and see their face? Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI), this is becoming a reality for some people.
AI is a broad term that refers to any technology that can perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing images, and generating content. In recent years, AI has been used to create realistic and interactive avatars of people who have passed away, using a combination of tools such as chatbots, image generators, and speech synthesizers.
One of the companies that offers this service is HereAfter AI, a California-based startup that creates “Life Story Avatars” of the deceased. The process involves interviewing the person while they are still alive, or their family and friends after they die, and recording their life stories and memories. Then, using a chatbot powered by ChatGPT, an AI model that can generate natural and coherent conversations, the company creates a digital replica of the person that can answer questions and chat with the users. The avatar can also speak in the recorded voice of the person, and show their face using an image generator called Midjourney.
The company’s goal is to let the living communicate with the dead, and preserve their legacy and memory. According to the company’s website, the Life Story Avatar can help users “reconnect with their loved ones, learn from their wisdom, and celebrate their lives”. The company claims that the technology can provide comfort and closure to the grieving, and help them cope with their loss.
Another example of using AI to recreate the deceased is Deep Nostalgia, a tool developed by MyHeritage, an online genealogy platform. The tool allows users to animate old family photos, and make them move and smile. The tool uses a deep learning algorithm called DeepFaceLab, which can manipulate facial expressions and movements. The tool is intended to bring old photos to life, and make them more engaging and emotional.
The tool has been widely popular, with millions of users uploading their photos and sharing the results on social media. Some users have used the tool to animate photos of their dead relatives, and see them in a new light. According to the company’s blog, the tool can help users “experience your family history like never before”.
However, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of using AI to create versions of their dead relatives. Some critics argue that the technology is unethical, creepy, or disrespectful to the dead. They also warn that the technology could have negative psychological effects on the users, such as prolonging their grief, creating false memories, or losing touch with reality. They also question the accuracy and authenticity of the AI-generated avatars, and whether they truly represent the personality and identity of the deceased.
Moreover, some people may not have given their consent to be recreated by AI, or may not have been aware of the implications of doing so. This raises ethical and legal issues, such as who owns the data and the rights to the digital replicas, and how they can be used or abused by others.
Therefore, using AI to create versions of their dead relatives is a controversial and complex topic, that involves both technological and human factors. While some people may find it helpful and healing, others may find it disturbing and harmful. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s preferences, beliefs, and values, and how they choose to use the technology. As AI becomes more advanced and accessible, it is important to be aware of the benefits and risks of using it, and to respect the wishes and dignity of the dead and the living.
