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Ghostbots: AI versions of deceased loved ones could be a serious threat to mental health

Mar 16, 2024 - theconversation.com
The article discusses the potential psychological impact of using artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate deceased loved ones, a concept known as "ghostbots". The author, a psychotherapist, expresses concern about the potential harm this technology could cause, including confusion, stress, depression, paranoia, and even psychosis. The technology uses AI software to create an interactive virtual representation of a deceased person using their digital content, such as photographs, emails, and videos. While it could provide comfort and an opportunity for closure, the author warns that it could also interfere with the natural grieving process and exacerbate complicated grief.

The article also highlights the risks of AI chatbots giving harmful or misleading advice, with examples of such incidents already occurring. The author suggests that no matter how advanced this technology becomes, there will always be a need for human oversight and supervision. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of forgetting as a part of healthy grief and the need for meaningful ways of remembering the deceased, such as anniversaries, rituals, and symbols.

Key takeaways:

  • The use of AI technology to create 'ghostbots' or digital representations of deceased loved ones can potentially interfere with the grieving process and cause mental health issues such as confusion, stress, depression, paranoia, and even psychosis.
  • While these digital ghosts could provide comfort and a chance for the bereaved to reconnect with their lost loved ones, their uncanny resemblance and potential for harmful emotional dependence can be detrimental.
  • There are risks that these AI ghostbots could give harmful or inappropriate advice to users, and there is a need for considerable oversight and human supervision over this technology.
  • The digital culture of infinite possibilities and data storage can interfere with the healthy process of grief, which involves forgetting and finding new ways of remembering the deceased through rituals and symbols.
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