Amazing! Discover how AI allows us to dialogue with the Beyond

Imagine yourself in the episode of Black Mirror where a widow uses technology to chat with her late husband. What was once pure science fiction is becoming reality. Innovative companies are pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible by using artificial intelligence to enable conversations with our lost loved ones. However, this transition from screen to reality raises deep and complex questions. Let’s go together to discover this not-so-distant future.

The Future of Mourning: Dialogue with the Beyond thanks to AI

Visionary American and South Korean companies are revolutionizing our perception of death by using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable conversations with our lost loved ones. This is a true digital renaissance, although it raises complex questions about the ethical and psychological implications.

Memory after Death: How does it Work?

The principle is simple: these technologies collect as much data as possible throughout our lives, such as SMS, videos, photos, writings, habits, tastes and interests, and purchase history. All this information is then processed by AI to create a hyper-realistic “avatar” of the deceased.

From Messaging to Video

Over the past six years, the industry has undergone rapid evolution, moving from simple text messages to audio-visual communication. The South Korean company Deepbrain stood out with its “re;memory” project which gives a face, a voice and even facial expressions to the avatar of the deceased.

Touching the Future: Beyond Video

The American company Somnium Space is taking a new step by adding a dimension of touch to interaction. Its “life forever” offer promises a virtual reality experience that allows users to touch and interact with the avatar of their deceased loved one.

Ethical and Psychological Challenges

Laurence Devillers, professor of artificial intelligence at Sorbonne University and member of the National Pilot Committee for Digital Ethics, asks the question: “How far are we going to go?” Doctor Christophe Fauré, a bereavement specialist, warns that this technology could disrupt the natural grieving process and cause psychological problems.

A Niche Market…for Now

Currently, the adoption of these technologies remains limited, making it difficult to accurately assess their impact. Companies like Microsoft have obtained patents for similar technologies, but have yet to release products. Deepbrain’s head of development, Joseph Murphy, admitted: “At the moment we see it as a niche sector.”

Conclusion

The digital renaissance confronts us with profound questions about life, death and the afterlife. As technology advances by leaps and bounds, it is crucial to consider the ethical and psychological implications. Whatever our opinion on the subject, one thing is certain: the future of grief may lie in the digital world.