Man's use of AI to "resurrect" grandmother stirs controversy
Man's use of AI to "resurrect" grandmother stirs controversy
Occurred: April 2023
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A Chinese man's "resurrection" of his deceased grandmother using AI sparked debate debate about the ethical implications of digital replicas of loved ones.
Wu Wuliu, a 24-year-old man from Shanghai, created a digital avatar of his late grandmother using photos and voice recordings to develop a lifelike version of her, enabling him to engage in conversations that mimic their real interactions.
He then shared a video of them "interacting" on popular Chinese video platform Bilibili in a way that appears to reflect her personality and memories.
Wu's motivation to create a virtual avatar of his late grandmother stemmed from their close relationship and the emotional struggle he faced following her death, and he sought to alleviate his grief by creating an interactive experience that allowed him to "talk" with her again.
His actions reflect a broader trend in China where individuals are increasingly turning to AI technologies for comfort after losing loved ones.
The incident sparked discussion on the ethical and psychological ramifications of using AI for digital resurrection.
While some people argue that these technologies can provide comfort and assist in the grieving process, others caution against over-reliance on virtual interactions, which may hinder emotional healing.
Experts emphasise the importance of balancing technological innovation with mental health considerations, noting that while AI can help preserve memories, it should not replace genuine human connections or the acceptance of loss.
Additionally, legal questions arise regarding consent and the rights of deceased individuals in the context of digital replication, suggesting that this technology may require new regulations as it evolves.
Operator: Wu Wuliu
Developer: Midjourney; OpenAI
Country: China
Sector:
Purpose: Recreate dead relative
Technology: Generate AI; Machine learning
Issue: Ethics/values
Page info
Type: Issue
Published: November 2024