A global study is investigating AI chatbots that allow interaction with deceased loved ones, raising ethical questions about grief and memory. Researchers, including Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska from the University of Cambridge, are gathering insights through intimate dinners in various countries. Participants share their experiences and concerns about digital immortality, highlighting the emotional complexities and potential commercialization of grief. The study calls for regulations to ensure ethical use of these technologies, particularly regarding consent and the psychological impact on users.
Key facts
- The digital legacy industry was valued at $22 billion in 2024.
- Researchers are studying the impact of AI chatbots on grief practices.
- Focus groups were held in Poland, India, and China.
- One participant expressed a desire to digitally resurrect her son.
- The study advocates for regulations on the use of AI in grief contexts.
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