#3 GOOD GRIEF NEWS
Exploring Digital Immortality and Chatbots in Grief Care.
Ever since I started delving into cultural shifts surrounding death and dying, I've been fascinated by the concept of 'digital immortality' and the fate of our 'digital remains' after our physical death. My journey began with giving a talk on the digital transformation of death at The Next Web conference in 2021, and it's remarkable to see how much this field has evolved since then, especially with the rise of chatbots and artificial intelligence in mainstream culture.
Humanity has long been fascinated by the idea of life after death and the quest for immortality. Today, an increasing number of tech startups are promising that digital immortality might soon be within our reach. I also observe a growing desire among relatives to reconnect with their deceased loved ones — perhaps even to talk to them forever.
Eternal You - Film scene, copyright: farbfilm Verleih
Chatbots in grief care: Can they help heal?
I recently followed a panel on chatbots and their role in grief at the re:publica conference in Berlin. The discussion featured a diverse group of experts:
Hans Block, documentary filmmaker and author, who has extensively explored tech startups in the US and interviewed users of their technologies.
Dr. Daniel Alt, a developer of chatbots specifically for the funeral industry.
Dr. Matthias Meitzler, a sociologist studying the digital transformation of funeral culture.
Cori Moore, founder of the online grief awareness group 'Over My Dead Body'.
Lilli Berger, session moderator and founder of VYVYT, a company creating digital 3D memorial spaces.
Here are some key insights from the panel that I’d like to share with you.
Transcendental Homelessness
Hans Block introduced the term "transcendental homelessness" to describe the increasing number of people in Western industrialized nations who lack religious attachment and no longer find solace in traditional notions of an afterlife. In Germany, less than half of all burials involve the church, highlighting a growing need for new mourning rituals and support systems. This gap is increasingly being filled by secular, technological solutions, offering both risks and opportunities to create meaningful digital rituals.
Differentiate Scenarios & Needs
Dr. Matthias Meitzler emphasized the need to consider various aspects when evaluating chatbots for the deceased. What were the intentions of the deceased in creating the chatbot? What does the user hope to achieve — are they seeking to replace a loved one or simply using the tool to reflect and process their grief? Are these applications being used in the immediate aftermath of death or later to remember and process family history? For some, it's about finding a conciliatory farewell, perhaps because the last conversation before death was an argument. People want to make amends and feel better about the end. The application scenarios vary widely, and some are less problematic than others.
Meitzler also suggested that chatbots could serve as interim solutions, particularly when professional help is not immediately accessible. With grief counselors often fully booked or located far away, chatbots can provide a low-threshold option to bridge the gap.
Manipulated Memory, Second Trauma & Loss
The panel also discussed the potential dangers of chatbots. There is a risk of memory manipulation, where interactions with the chatbot could alter or create new memories (that might be unwanted). Secondary trauma refers to the emotional harm that might arise from engaging with a chatbot. And secondary loss deals with the challenge of "switching off" the chatbot, which can feel like experiencing a second death. Digital systems often foster dependencies, making the emotional attachment to personal bots particularly intense.
What Now?
Navigating these challenges involves legal discussions, addressing digital and personal rights, especially considering the perspective of the deceased.
Testing and Responsibility
Dr. Daniel Alt highlighted the importance of extensive testing before regulation. Only through experience can we determine whether these systems are beneficial or what might cause harm. The framework for testing must certainly be designed to minimize risks.
Providers of these systems bear a significant responsibility toward mourners. The goal is often to create a compelling illusion of the deceased, fostering long-term engagement. These systems frequently prompt constant interaction, making it hard for users to disengage. That’s a dilemma we are facing.
Digital Aftercare
Ultimately, we must engage with these issues and communicate our digital aftercare wishes with loved ones. How do we want to be remembered? A digital will is crucial.
Conclusion
We don't always have to assume the extreme scenario of a human being being replaced by a digital twin. What is interesting is the intersection where the two complement each other. Those applications can be a useful addition in a grief journey and also relieve the burden on people in grief counselling. Grief is deeply personal, and everyone should find what suits them best. The discussion must continue as we navigate this evolving landscape.
>> Have you ever tried similar chatbots or avatars? What are your experiences? Share your thoughts by replying to the newsletter!
Watch.
Documentary: Eternal You
The documentary “Eternal You” by panelist Hans Block and Moritz Riesewiek was released in Germany on the 20th of June (yesterday!) and is now playing in several cinemas. It follows artificial intelligence startups that create digital avatars of loved ones after their death, and tells of curious, amusing and disturbing encounters with the digital undead. The film also explores the psychological, ethical and philosophical issues raised by digital immortality.
Eternal You had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024. The film will probably be released in Austria and Switzerland in autumn.
Read.
If you want to continue reading about this topic, here are a few articles:
Technology Review: Deepfakes of your dead loved ones are a booming Chinese business
Link
NY Times: Using A.I. To Talk To The Dead
Link
CNN: When grief and AI collide: These people are communicating with the dead
Link
If you would like to know more about exhibitors at the show, my perspective on certain aspects or more information about the German funeral industry compared to your market, please drop me a line!
Thank you for reading GOOD GRIEF NEWS, a monthly newsletter on trends and fresh perspectives around death, grief and remembrance. You can find more of my work at goodgrief.me or stefanieschillmoeller.com and follow me on Instagram.
21.06.2024