The Promise and Pitfalls of Grief-Related Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a tool to aid in the grieving process, but its ethical and psychological implications are still largely unexplored. Some embrace it as a way to connect with loved ones who have passed away, while others express skepticism and worry that it could hinder closure.

In 2023, when Michael Bommer was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer, he had an idea: to create an interactive artificial intelligence version of himself that would survive him after his passing. Partnering with Robert LoCascio of the AI-powered legacy platform Eternos, Bommer became the company's first client.

Eternos joins a growing number of companies offering grief-related AI technology, including StoryFile, HereAfter AI, and Seance AI. These platforms allow users to interact with pre-recorded videos, generate text-based conversations with characters, and even engage in fictionalized seances with their loved ones.

Some have embraced this technology as a way to cope with grief. Robert Scott, who lost three of his daughters, uses AI companion apps to simulate conversations with characters representing them. Matthias Meitzler, a sociologist from Tuebingen University, suggests that some may perceive it as an addition to traditional ways of remembering loved ones.

However, others express skepticism and ethical concerns. Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basinska, a research fellow at the University of Cambridge, warns that the potential short-term and long-term consequences of using digital simulations for the dead on a large scale are largely unknown.

Tomasz Hollanek, a researcher who worked with Nowaczyk-Basinska, raises questions about the rights, dignities, and consenting power of people who are no longer alive. He also expresses concerns about ethical issues, such as advertising on platforms that cater to the bereaved.

Michael Bommer is optimistic about the potential of his AI personality, believing that it will only improve over time. However, his wife, Anett, is more hesitant. She imagines herself finding comfort in her husband's old sweaters rather than engaging with the AI voicebot, at least initially.

The emergence of grief-related AI technology poses important questions about the ethical boundaries, psychological implications, and the evolving role of technology in the human experience of loss. While it holds promise as a potential tool for coping, it also raises concerns that warrant further research and thoughtful consideration. As this technology continues to develop, it is crucial to strike a balance between embracing its potential benefits while carefully navigating its ethical complexities and potential pitfalls.