Are Creepy AI Chatbots of the Dead Haunting the Living Online?
Creepy AI chatbots of the dead could give bereaved families an “unwanted digital haunting” with serious psychological consequences, experts have warned. So-called AI “ghostbots” may even digitally stalk their loved ones beyond the grave.
The Rise of AI “Ghostbots”
Online platforms allowing people to virtually reincarnate lost relatives have exploded in recent years. The eerie tech is capable of simulating language patterns and personality traits of a dead person using the digital footprint they have left behind.
Concerns Raised by Researchers
But researchers at Cambridge University say AI chatbots need new safety measures to prevent causing psychological harm. They fear some users may develop “strong emotional bonds” with the simulation, making them particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
Potential Psychological Impact
“It is vital that digital afterlife services consider the rights and consent not just of those they recreate, but those who will have to interact with the simulations,” said Dr. Tomasz Hollanek, co-author of the paper. The study highlights the risks of unwanted digital hauntings from alarmingly accurate AI recreations of the deceased, which could have devastating psychological effects, especially during difficult times.
Ethical Concerns and Recommendations
The researchers stress the importance of dignity for the deceased and urge safeguards against financial motives in digital afterlife services. They recommend age restrictions for deadbots, meaningful transparency for users interacting with AI, and ways of retiring deadbots in a dignified manner, possibly through a “digital funeral.”
Looking Towards the Future
Dr. Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basinska emphasizes the need to mitigate the social and psychological risks of digital immortality, as the technology is already here. The potential for AI chatbots to interact with the living raises ethical issues that must be addressed to protect the well-being of users.
In conclusion, the development of AI chatbots of the dead presents both opportunities and challenges. While they may offer comfort to some, the risks of psychological harm and manipulation are significant. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial to prioritize the ethical considerations surrounding digital immortality to ensure the well-being of individuals interacting with AI chatbots.