2023-12-19 17:48:22
In China, the use of artificial intelligence to create virtual replicas of deceased loved ones is becoming increasingly popular among the bereaved. The trend has seen a surge in the number of “digital people” created by companies leveraging this technology, with one father even proclaiming that one day, technology will allow him to be reunited with his deceased son in the metaverse.
Sekou Wu, a grieving father in eastern China, is one among the many who have turned to artificial intelligence to bring back a semblance of life to their deceased loved ones. His only son, Xuanmu, passed away last year at the age of 22. Wu has collected various forms of media, including photos, videos, and voice recordings, and spent thousands of dollars to clone his son’s face and voice using AI technology.
The emergence of companies providing these virtual mourning services has given hope to many who wish to keep the memory of their loved ones alive. Super Brain, a company specializing in this technology, charges between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan ($1,412 and $2,824) to create a regular avatar in about 20 days.
The use of artificial intelligence to create “ghost robots” is not unique to China, but it has gained significant traction in the country due to the large population and the prevalence of emotional deficiency. The technology has also fueled a booming market, with a client base that includes bereaved individuals, parents seeking to spend more time with their children, and even former lovers who wish to see their ex-partners again.
However, this burgeoning trend raises several ethical and moral concerns. Critics argue that the consent of the deceased person is a pivotal issue, and the extent to which these replicas accurately represent the character they are supposed to imitate remains to be known. There are also worries about the potential psychological impact, as well as the possibility of these digital replicas doing things that may taint the memory of the deceased.
Despite these concerns, proponents of the technology argue that it is a form of comfort and a new way for people to remember their loved ones. They maintain that as long as it helps those who need it and as long as it is approached with the right sensitivity, AI-generated replicas have the potential to provide solace to those who are grieving.
As the debate surrounding this phenomenon continues, it is evident that the use of artificial intelligence to create digital replicas of the deceased has ignited discussions about the boundaries of technology, the ethics involved, and the impact it may have on grieving individuals and society as a whole.
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