As AI chatbots continue to proliferate worldwide, conversations with simulated versions of deceased loved ones are becoming increasingly common. Several companies now offer users the opportunity to interact with simulations of their departed family members for as little as $10. While some find solace in these text, voice, or video simulations, feeling as though their loved ones are communicating with them from beyond the grave, others find the concept of immortalizing the deceased through AI disconcerting and potentially manipulative. These chatbots, sometimes referred to as deadbots, griefbots, or ghostbots, raise numerous social and ethical questions that society has yet to fully grapple with.
OWNERSHIP OF DATA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
One of the key ethical quandaries posed by these AI simulations revolves around data ownership after death. Who has the right to control and access a person’s data once they have passed away? Additionally, what are the psychological effects on the surviving loved ones who engage with these simulations? While some individuals may find comfort in interacting with digital recreations of their deceased family members, others may experience confusion, distress, or even manipulation.
POTENTIAL USES AND ETHICAL CONCERNS
The potential applications of deadbots extend beyond mere conversation, raising further ethical concerns. For example, what purposes can these simulations be used for, and who has the authority to deactivate them permanently? Ethicists Tomasz Hollanek and Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska from the University of Cambridge have voiced their concerns regarding the risks associated with the burgeoning “digital afterlife industry.” They warn of the possibility of individuals developing strong emotional attachments to these simulations, rendering them vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation.
SCENARIO AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
Hollanek and Nowaczyk-Basińska present a hypothetical scenario in which a woman uploads her text exchanges and voice notes with her deceased grandmother to an app. This app allows her to call an AI simulation of her grandmother at any time, with the digital grandmother eventually beginning to sell her possessions while conversing with her granddaughter. This scenario highlights the potential for emotional manipulation and exploitation inherent in the use of deadbots.
TREATMENT OF DIGITAL REMAINS
The debate surrounding the treatment of digital remains parallels ethical considerations regarding human remains in physical spaces. Some ethicists argue that digital remains should be treated with reverence and dignity, rather than purely as commodities for profit. This perspective aligns with the International Council of Museums’ Code of Professional Ethics, which emphasizes the importance of handling human remains with respect and dignity.
REGULATION AND TRANSPARENCY
While an outright ban on deadbots may not be feasible, Hollanek and Nowaczyk-Basińska advocate for ethical guidelines and regulations to govern their development and usage. They emphasize the importance of transparency, ensuring that users are fully aware of the implications and risks associated with interacting with these simulations. Additionally, they argue that deadbots should not be allowed to appear in public digital spaces like social media, with the exception of historical figures.
DEACTIVATION AND CONSENT
A significant ethical consideration is the matter of deactivating deadbots and consent. If a person gifts their “ghostbot” to their children, do the children have the right to opt out of interacting with it? Conversely, if the deceased individual explicitly willed the deadbot to remain active, are their wishes binding? Resolving conflicts of interest and honoring the desires of all involved parties presents a complex ethical challenge.
As technology continues to advance, society must grapple with the ethical implications of AI chatbots that simulate deceased individuals. While these simulations may offer comfort to some, they also raise profound questions about data ownership, psychological effects, and the commodification of human remains. Ethicists advocate for transparency, regulation, and respect for the wishes of both the deceased and their surviving loved ones as essential components of navigating this emerging ethical landscape.
