A Canadian individual’s endeavor to revive his deceased famous wife through an AI replication has sparked ethical debates regarding extending human existence in the digital realm. Alan Hamel, an entertainer and veteran TV figure in Canada, recently disclosed to People his development of an “AI twin” modeled after Hollywood icon Suzanne Somers, his spouse of 55 years who succumbed to breast cancer in 2023.
Hamel, aged 89, shared that the AI bot was trained using Somers’s literary works and interviews to ensure it can proficiently field any inquiry. He emphasized that the AI concept was initiated by Somers herself, and they extensively deliberated on it before her demise. Hamel mentioned that Somers’s AI replica will soon be accessible on her website, engaging in continuous interactions with devoted fans longing for her presence.
According to the Brazil-based AI ethicist Catharina Doria, caution is vital when considering resurrecting individuals in AI form. Doria highlighted the intricate nature of this scenario, contrasting it with instances of AI-generated videos of deceased celebrities created without consent for entertainment. She expressed concerns about the potential confusion that may arise when individuals interact with AI entities like the AI version of Somers, stressing the necessity for enhanced public understanding and literacy regarding AI technology.
Doria raised apprehensions about the emotional implications of developing AI versions of deceased individuals, drawing parallels to existing platforms like Character.AI, where users engage with bots impersonating celebrities and fictional characters. She warned of a potential exacerbation of societal detachment and cautioned against substituting authentic human connections with AI companions.
Various enterprises, such as Eternos, StoryFile, and HereAfter AI, are capitalizing on crafting lifelike AI avatars for individuals mourning the loss of loved ones. These businesses create “deadbots,” also known as “griefbots” or “AI ghosts,” replicating the personalities of the deceased based on their social media activity. Researchers from Cambridge University have highlighted concerns about the possible misuse of deadbots for commercial purposes, such as targeted advertising or unsolicited notifications.
Jason Millar, a Canada Research Chair specializing in the Ethical Engineering of Robotics and AI at the University of Ottawa, emphasized the need for individuals to contemplate managing their digital legacy after death. Millar underscored the ethical dilemmas arising from creating AI replicas of deceased individuals, particularly in cases where these entities engage with a large audience. He questioned the implications of potentially terminating the AI avatar and the ethical considerations surrounding attachment to such entities in an unregulated domain.
James Hutson, overseeing human-centered AI programming and research at Lindenwood University in Missouri, noted the evolving accessibility of AI technology in reviving deceased individuals virtually. Hutson observed a historical inclination among humans to preserve connections with departed loved ones, drawing parallels to historical practices like creating wax masks of the deceased. He speculated on the possibility of transitioning from virtual AI replicas to physical robotic embodiments as technology progresses and societal perceptions evolve.