It’s hard to believe that it’s almost 10 years since my father passed away.
Memories and photographs help keep him close.
Some people want more than memories and photographs to stay connected, which has prompted a growing trend in the “digital after-life industry”.
Through virtual reality and artificial intelligence, there are companies using data from a deceased person’s emails, voice recordings and even social media posts to enable a digital version of the deceased person to be created and “live on”.
This digital version of the deceased can interact with the living, through a variety of ways including robotics and the use of AI to simulate a text-based conversation.
There may be some therapeutic benefit by assisting with the grieving process. However, care must be taken to avoid any detrimental impact – particularly if memories are tarnished through errors in the AI, resulting in an unexpected interaction that does not
reflect the deceased’s true character.
Will we get to the stage where we need to ask clients when preparing their Will: “Do you consent to being recreated digitally after you pass away?”
What would your answer be?
It seems to give a whole new meaning to resting in peace.
Trent Wakerley, Director, Kruger Law, Level 3, Ocean Central, Ocean Street, Maroochydore, 5443 9600, krugerlaw.com.au
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