Section 1.1: AI Chatbots and Digital Grief

Known as 'griefbots,' these AI chatbots serve as digital conduits, allowing individuals to find closure by interacting with virtual representations of their lost loved ones. For instance, Yu Jialin, a 29-year-old software engineer from Hangzhou, China, encountered a discussion on AI-driven lip-sync technology that mimics lip movements to recorded audio.

Reflecting on his late grandfather, who passed away nearly a decade prior, Yu pondered, “Could I utilize this technology to see my grandfather once more?” His desire to digitally resurrect his grandfather highlights a growing trend in China, as reported by Business Insider.

Through advanced AI models, Yu seized the opportunity to express his final sentiments to his grandfather, seeking the closure he yearned for. During an interview with journalist Tang Yucheng, he revealed he was only 17 when his grandfather passed away.

After enduring weeks of relentless hard work and sleepless nights, Yu was nearing the completion of his unofficial AI project. In a moment of interaction with the AI, he asked, “Hey, Grandpa. Can you figure out who I am?” The bot responded with a generic remark, “Who you are is not important. Life is a beautiful miracle,” which elicited both joy and disappointment for Yu.

The digital representation created in the video was not an authentic version of his grandfather, but rather a simulation constructed from the grandfather’s text messages, photographs, and letters. Yu’s grandmother provided him with many old letters that depicted a side of his grandfather he had never known.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Business of Digital Resurrection

The notion of reviving the deceased through AI isn't entirely new. An article by Marius Ursache in 2015 discussed the concept of AI avatars that could embody memories and thoughts indefinitely. However, the surge in generative AI's popularity has catalyzed advancements in this field, prompting various companies to explore this innovative concept.

Some enterprises are now offering subscription-based services for these digital experiences. For example, Seance AI initially considered a monthly subscription model but has transitioned to a pay-per-session framework to discourage excessive attempts to connect with the afterlife. A Hong Kong funeral service, Fu Shou Yuan International Group, charges around $7,300 to create digital replicas of the deceased using Microsoft-backed ChatGPT. Similar avatar services, such as HereAfter and Replika, have adopted a subscription model as well.

Section 1.2: The Emotional Landscape of AI in Grieving

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and it’s undeniable that we are deeply emotional. Our methods of processing grief are evolving alongside technology. If a tool exists that can provide solace and closure, who are we to critique its use?

We can’t fully grasp each individual's experiences, which leads us to ponder, “Wouldn’t we utilize such technology if it were available to us?”