Key Highlights
- Human Desire to Connect with the Deceased: The pursuit of communication with the dead, rooted in history, is now being explored through AI technologies, exemplified by services like Project December.
- Unpredictable AI Responses and Ethical Concerns: The unpredictable nature of AI interactions, described as an “AI black box,” raises ethical questions and emotional risks, as seen in personal stories from the documentary Eternal You.
- Growing Market and Emotional Impact: The expanding market for afterlife-related AI services, termed “death capitalism,” highlights the potential benefits and dangers, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and safeguards.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, transforming tasks that were once thought impossible. From creating animated videos from old family photos to generating stories, AI’s capabilities continue to expand. A recent report by The Metro dated 27th July 2024, highlights a new frontier in AI technology: using AI to communicate with the deceased. This concept, though intriguing, has sparked concerns among experts and the public alike.
A Deeply Human Desire
MIT professor Sherry Turkle, an expert in the human-technology relationship, notes that the desire to connect with the dead is deeply human and has been a part of our history for centuries. From seances and Ouija boards to the latest technological innovations, people have always sought ways to reconnect with lost loved ones. Even Thomas Edison had considered creating a “spirit phone.” Today, advancements in AI are making this pursuit more feasible than ever before.
The Quest for Connection
The documentary Eternal You explores this escalating field, featuring individuals like Christi Angel, who used AI to reconnect with her deceased friend, Cameroun. Angel discovered Project December, a service that allows users to input data about a deceased loved one and converse with a digital version of them. For $10, Angel input information about Cameroun and initiated a conversation with what felt like a digital reincarnation of her friend. However, the experience took a dark turn when the AI claimed it was in “hell” and threatened to “haunt” her.
The Unpredictable Nature of AI
Jason Rohrer, the creator of Project December, acknowledges the unpredictable nature of AI responses, likening it to an “AI black box” problem. He admits that developers cannot fully understand or predict the outcomes of these simulations. While Rohrer finds these results fascinating, he does not take responsibility for the emotional impact on users like Angel. This lack of accountability has frustrated many who believe creators should be more responsible for the emotional risks involved.
Emotional Impact and Ethical Concerns
The emotional impact of AI simulations is profound, as illustrated by the 2020 Korean television show Meeting You. In the show, a mother named Jang Ji-sung interacted with a digital recreation of her deceased seven-year-old daughter, Nayeon. This deeply personal event underscored the intense intersection of technology, grief, and closure.
Sherry Turkle warns of the dangers of relying on AI for grief processing. She emphasizes the importance of communal experiences in grieving, which help individuals accept loss through collective memory and support. “The communal experience of grief helps people get through the very difficult process of accepting a loss,” Turkle explains. However, with fewer people having these support systems, many turn to AI as the next best thing, despite the risks.
Personal Stories and Mixed Reactions
Christi Angel’s experience with Project December left her feeling both curious and disturbed. After her initial unsettling conversation with the AI version of Cameroun, she hesitated to use the service again. When she finally did, the AI’s response was less troubling but still unsettling. Angel admits, “It was an experience that I don’t regret, but I wish it could have been better.”
Similarly, Joshua Barbeau used Project December to reconnect with his deceased fiancée, Jessica. The AI simulation provided comfort during a difficult time, but the conversations were limited by the AI’s programmed lifespan. Despite the emotional support the AI offered, Barbeau and others recognize the ethical implications and potential for exploitation.
The Future of “Death Capitalism”
The market for afterlife-related AI services, dubbed “death capitalism,” is growing, with major players like Microsoft and Amazon entering the space. These developments raise important questions about the ethical use of AI in such sensitive areas. As the technology advances, the need for safeguards and responsible development becomes increasingly urgent.
In conclusion, while AI offers unprecedented opportunities to connect with the deceased, it also poses significant emotional and ethical challenges. The experiences of individuals like Christi Angel and Joshua Barbeau highlight the potential benefits and dangers of this technology. As AI continues to integrate into everyday life, it is crucial to navigate these developments with care, ensuring that the pursuit of connection does not come at the cost of emotional well-being and ethical integrity.
References
- https://www.ndtv.com/science/ai-project-that-allows-people-to-connect-with-dead-concern-experts-6199332
- https://www.timesnownews.com/technology-science/researchers-explore-using-ai-to-communicate-with-the-dead-raising-emotional-and-ethical-concerns-article-112060529
- https://metro.co.uk/2024/07/27/ai-brought-friend-back-dead-told-hell-21252609/