Kokcha News Agency: Rod Stewart surprised fans during his recent concert by projecting AI-generated images of legendary musicians like Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Bob Marley, and the late Black Sabbath vocalist Ozzy Osbourne onto the stage. The concept of these icons returning from “rock heaven” divided fans, with some finding it disrespectful and others viewing it as a beautiful tribute.
A similar controversy erupted when former CNN reporter Jim Acosta interviewed a digital avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a 17-year-old who was killed in a school shooting in Florida in 2018. The avatar, created by Oliver’s parents using photos and voice recordings, allowed them to “hear his voice again,” which they described as a blessing.
The Rise of “Dead Bots” and Ethical Issues:
This technology, known as “digital resurrection,” uses digital remnants like photos, videos, and voice recordings to create images or chatbots of deceased individuals. Companies offering services like “griefbots” or “deathbots” are on the rise, but concerns about misuse, privacy, and the impact on the grieving process are growing.
Cyberpsychologist Elaine Kasket explains that large language models have made this technology both easy and affordable: “If there’s enough digital footprint, it’s possible to create something familiar and believable.”
Louise Richardson from the University of York notes that while this technology resembles traditional ways of maintaining connections, such as visiting graves or keeping personal belongings, it could also disrupt the grieving process: “Because now you can keep talking to them.”
Can Technology Conquer Death?
The growing interest in digital resurrection is seen as a shift from traditional religious beliefs to technology, reflecting a modern belief that technology can overcome death. However, experts warn that the real danger lies in forgetting that grief is a natural process.
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