In China, a growing trend has emerged, and mourners increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to reconnect with their deceased loved ones, particularly during traditional events like the tomb-sweeping festival.
According to a report by The Guardian, Chinese netizens now have the option to create digital avatars of their departed relatives for as little as 20 yuan (R235 rupees, enabling them to interact with AI-generated versions of their loved ones.
This trend highlights a broader adoption of AI technology in commemorating the deceased, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of AI usage in such sensitive contexts.
One poignant example of this trend is the case of Bao Xiaobai, a Taiwanese singer who utilised AI to “resurrect” his 22-year-old daughter, who passed away in 2022.
Despite having only a short audio recording of his daughter’s voice, Bao dedicated over a year to experimenting with AI technology, ultimately creating a video of her singing “Happy Birthday” to her mother.
This emotional use of AI technology to preserve memories and reconnect with loved ones underscores its profound impact on individuals seeking solace in the wake of loss.
However, the increasing reliance on AI for mourning purposes also sparks ethical debates about the boundaries of technology in matters of grief and remembrance.
Critics argue that while AI offers a semblance of connection with the departed, it may also trivialise the grieving process and blur the lines between reality and simulation.
As China’s AI industry continues to expand rapidly, it becomes imperative for society to navigate the ethical implications of AI usage in commemorating the
