The Impact of Artificial Intelligence-Generated Grief Bots on the Mourning Process
The impacts of AI-created grief bots on the mourning process, the perception of death, and the judicial system are examined through expert opinions.
Grief bots, created using artificial intelligence and the digital traces of deceased individuals, are bringing about new debates for grieving individuals and the judicial system.
Creation and Purpose of Grief Bots
Also known as grief bots, these digital representations are generated with the help of artificial intelligence through a person's digital traces such as messages, emails, voice recordings, videos, and social media posts.
Artificial Intelligence Avatars in the Judicial System
Post-mortem avatars, which have started appearing in public spaces, have also begun finding a place for themselves in court proceedings.
In an incident that occurred in the U.S. state of Arizona in 2021, an avatar of a deceased person created via artificial intelligence was used during a hearing.
Experts' Warnings Regarding the Technology
Christopher Hall, CEO of Australia-based Grief Australia, pointed out that such applications could create a risk of confusion in individuals.
Dr. Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basinska from the University of Cambridge stated that this technology should be classified as a medical device and used under expert supervision.
Impact on the Perception of Death Remains Limited
Professor Darcy Harris from Western University in Canada stated that grief bots will not fundamentally change the perception of death, and death will still continue to be death.