Griefbots Create Digital Immortality and Raise Ethical Concerns around AI Chatbots

image via New Scientist

April 30, 2025, 10:00 AM

• •AI-powered "griefbots" or "deadbots" are emerging, offering digital representations of deceased loved ones.
• •These technologies raise significant ethical concerns regarding consent, data exploitation, and potential harm to vulnerable users, like children.
• •Experts suggest these technologies might be beneficial as interactive archives or sources of knowledge, but not necessarily as a grieving tool.
• •Consumers should approach these technologies with caution, recognizing them as sophisticated technology and not a true representation of the deceased.

Digital immortality is being explored through "griefbots" and "deadbots", raising both interest and ethical questions. These AI-powered mimics offer a new way to grieve and interact with deceased loved ones. However, experts are concerned about data exploitation, consent, and the potential for harm, especially to vulnerable users. While there could be benefits as interactive archives, it is important to consider it as a technological tool rather than the deceased person, and it is not a universal remedy for grief.

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