Can AI Resurrect the Past: Can AI Help Us Connect with the Departed??
AI is bringing back the dead, sparking debate about its impact on users. On May 13, 2024, visitors at Arthur Rimbaud's home in Charleville-Mezieres can interact with a digital version of the late French poet, created by the Alsatian company Jumbo Mana using AI. AI “resurrections” are an emerging technology allowing people to interact with digital versions of deceased loved ones. These systems work by gathering information about the deceased, such as text messages, emails, or responses to personality questions. This data helps the AI mimic the person's manner of speaking and thinking. For instance, Replika can simulate texting styles based on the information provided, while other projects go further by offering video interactions, letting users see a lifelike representation of the deceased. This technology aims to provide comfort but also raises ethical questions about how we handle memories and grief. For instance, the Los Angeles company StoryFile lets people record videos of...