As humans become increasingly aware of their mortality, the quest for immortality, at least in a virtual sense, has gained traction thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Recent developments allow the digital resurrection of deceased individuals, utilizing the vast amounts of data they left behind. This phenomenon has been showcased in advertisements featuring iconic figures like singers and actors, who appear posthumously in films or promotional materials.
However, these practices raise significant ethical dilemmas and legal issues, potentially impacting the mental health of grieving relatives. Natalia Artigas, a psychologist specializing in grief at the Hospital Josep Trueta in Girona, expresses concern that AI may hinder the acceptance of loss rather than facilitate it.
In recent years, generative models, similar to ChatGPT, have emerged as powerful tools capable of creating new content from existing data. The algorithms behind these applications rely on extensive user-generated data, which largely determines the accuracy of the reproductions. This technology also encompasses deep fakes, which can create convincing but misleading representations of real individuals, raising concerns about misinformation.
When applied to the digital footprints of the deceased, these algorithms can recreate virtual versions of them. This capability poses psychological risks for the bereaved, who must navigate their grief while confronting these digital representations. Artigas notes that the grieving process is crucial for integrating the loss and learning to live with absence.
The initial phase of grief is often the most challenging, characterized by acute symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Artigas emphasizes that grief is a natural process that should be experienced, likening it to a wound that requires time to heal.
AI could potentially assist in certain therapeutic contexts, helping individuals address unresolved issues symbolically. However, Artigas stresses that any use of such technology must be supervised by professionals to ensure it aids rather than complicates the healing process.
Moreover, vulnerable individuals, particularly those with mental health issues or who live alone, may be more susceptible to the negative effects of this technology, potentially leading to dependency on digital recreations of lost loved ones.
Philosopher Francesc Torralba, a professor at Ramon Llull University, critiques the ethical implications of using technology to 'resurrect' the dead. He argues that maintaining a technological presence cannot fill the void left by a deceased individual and emphasizes the importance of accepting loss and cherishing memories.
As AI technology continues to advance, it prompts essential questions about the nature of humanity and the boundaries of technology. Torralba asserts that while AI excels in certain areas, it remains limited in understanding the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
Legal considerations also arise regarding the posthumous use of personal data. Albert Sabater, director of the Ethics in Artificial Intelligence Observatory in Catalonia, highlights the importance of consent and purpose specification when utilizing digital recreations.
Despite recent European legislation regulating AI systems, its practical application remains uncertain. As society grapples with these challenges, Torralba urges a careful approach to governing AI technologies to prioritize human dignity and ethical considerations.
Ultimately, the rapid development of AI raises profound questions about its societal implications. Sabater warns of the potential risks associated with digital recreations, particularly concerning data management and the rights of the deceased.
As we navigate these complex issues, it is crucial to remember that death is an intrinsic part of the human experience. The pursuit of easy solutions to grief may undermine the profound nature of loss, which is a deep rupture in relationships and requires time to process.