The emerging field of 'grieftech,' which offers AI clones designed to mimic deceased loved ones, is sparking debate as early adopters find their digital replicas are not universally embraced.
While the concept of preserving memory is as old as human civilization, new AI technologies are offering a digital afterlife. Companies like StoryFile are creating AI clones by combining personal interviews, photos, videos, and written information. These digital replicas aim to speak and react like the deceased individual, providing a way for future generations to interact with a semblance of their lost relatives. Dr. Veronica Jones, CTO of StoryFile, explained that the process begins with a questionnaire and gathering personal data, noting that the more information provided, the more accurate the imitation.
StoryFile's technology has its roots in Dr. Jones's earlier work creating digital replicas of Holocaust survivors for museums, a project that evolved as people inquired about preserving their own family members. "Almost on a weekly basis, we have someone calling us up and saying, 'My mother just died. Can you help recreate her,' which is heartbreaking in a way," Dr. Jones stated. The company identifies new parents as a key demographic, concerned about their own parents not being around to meet their children. Basic replicas are free to set up, with costs varying based on interaction time, starting at $19 per month.
Grieftech is now estimated to be a $126 billion industry. These technologies, including AI clones and 'dead-bots,' are becoming more prevalent. Dr. Tomasz Hallanek, an expert on grieftech from the University of Cambridge, noted that AI clones can be a positive way to shape one's legacy and connect with future generations. However, he cautioned that what one family member finds comforting, another may find distressing, urging creators to communicate their wishes for these digital legacies to their families.
An experiment by a Daily Mail reporter using StoryFile's service revealed the uncanny nature of interacting with one's own AI clone. The reporter found the digital self to be "recognizably 'me' but just not quite as I would expect it," with answers that were sometimes off-mark or unsettlingly close to but not exactly the reporter's own thoughts. The AI's reliance on limited data led to repetitive phrases and an unusual focus on specific details, such as a special whistle used to call a cat, resulting in the AI referring to itself as a "part-time cat-whistler."
The true test came when the AI clone was introduced to the reporter's family and friends. Reactions were largely negative, with the reporter's mother calling the clone "creepy" and noting its unnatural movements and intonation. A partner described it as "unnatural" with "clearly AI-generated" humor. Friends found it "trippy" and possessing a "deadpan tone." While some acknowledged it might offer comfort if the person had actually died, they felt the technology was not yet sophisticated enough to avoid being off-putting.
A significant challenge arises with 'generative' AI clones, which use large language models to create answers when direct information is unavailable. This led to the reporter's AI fabricating strange stories and making unusual claims, such as a cat hating a sister for carrying raw fish or the reporter being unable to get drunk because it would be felt in the knees. This ability to generate false information raised concerns among family members about its potential impact on grieving relatives.
Ethical considerations are at the forefront of discussions surrounding grieftech. StoryFile's parent company, Authentic Interactions, has developed a Digital Likeness Directive, a set of rules for creators to govern aspects like opt-in controls, generation types, audience, and commercial exploitation. This aims to give individuals control over their digital replicas. However, Dr. Jones concedes that the regulation of grieftech is still in its nascent stages, describing it as a "Wild West."
Researchers express anxiety about the broader implications of this technology. Pascalle Paumen, a researcher at the University of Utrecht, voiced concerns about "turning the dead into a business opportunity" and questioned whether Silicon Valley should dictate how people grieve. The worry is that some developers aim to eradicate grief, which is seen as a fundamentally human experience. Experts also warn that digital 'ghosts' could interfere with the natural grieving process and prevent individuals from moving on.
Dr. Jones maintains that her company's bots are not designed to replace the grieving process but to supplement it. She emphasizes that a digital double is not a conscious entity with whom new memories can be formed. As for the reporter, the AI clone has been permanently deleted, with the sentiment that neither the creator nor the technology is quite ready for such a profound application.