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Reviving Memories or Crossing Boundaries? The Ethical Dilemma of Using AI to Reconnect with the Departed 

 August 9, 2023

By  Joe Habscheid

Summary: Technological advancements have always played a part in not only the way we live, but the way we grieve and process death. Artificial Intelligence developments of the last months has presented us with the potential to reanimate our departed loved one, a development that brings both benefits and controversy. As we navigate these uncharted waters, it's crucial to consider the perspectives, the historical context, and the potential ramifications of these emerging technologies.


Advancements in Machine Learning - A Double-Edged Sword?

Machine learning technology is pushing barriers like never before, stirring emotions and ethical dilemmas. While some people envisage these advancements as an avenue to reopen doors long closed, critics argue that despite the lifelike capabilities, these images are merely empty shells devoid of the essence that once occupied them.

Ethical Concerns - Modern Technology Meet Age-old Dilemmas

The negative sentiment that surrounds such groundbreaking technologies is not new. History has shown time and time again how society hesitates with every pioneering stride made in technology. In essence, the concerns raised are not about the technologies themselves but rather reflect how we process, handle, and express our grief.

Technology and Mourning: Parallels in History

In understanding the role of these tools, it's essential to take a step back and look at the role technology has played in grief and mourning throughout history. From the introduction of photography to the birth of AI, concerns and moral quandaries have surrounded these tools, just as they do today.

Seizing the Future: An Invitation, Not a Threat

By considering historical perspectives, we can understand that new technologies have consistently been met with resistance before their assimilation into the societal norm. Visionaries of the past did not shy away from technology but instead embraced it and harnessed its potential. This lesson, our inherited wisdom, urges us not to fear the future but to meet it head-on.

Grief in the Digital Age: Bridging the Old and New

In the TikTok era, new ways of remembering loved ones have already emerged, acting as the 21st-century equivalent of "spirit photographs." Machine learning provides us with the ability to visualize both what was and what could have been, granting a tangible form to our "what if" thoughts as we navigate our grief.

Embracing Technology and its Potential for Good

The advent of technology has not changed the fundamental experience of grief; however, it has altered the ways we process and express it. Instead of dismissing these technologies, we should recognize their potential in helping countless people navigate their loss. As we embark on a new era of possibilities in dealing with grief, we must tread carefully, responsibly, and ethically.

#GriefInDigitalAge #EthicalTechnology #MachineLearning #EmbracingChange


In conclusion, we are at a pivotal juncture in technological history. As we continue to explore unknown territories, it's important to remain balanced between apprehension and adoption. The key is not only in the responsible development and application of these tools but also in creating a considerate discourse revolving around their usage.

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Featured Image courtesy of Unsplash and Nick Gordon (6LZGiSb7VOM)

Joe Habscheid


Joe Habscheid is the founder of midmichiganai.com. A trilingual speaker fluent in Luxemburgese, German, and English, he grew up in Germany near Luxembourg. After obtaining a Master's in Physics in Germany, he moved to the U.S. and built a successful electronics manufacturing office. With an MBA and over 20 years of expertise transforming several small businesses into multi-seven-figure successes, Joe believes in using time wisely. His approach to consulting helps clients increase revenue and execute growth strategies. Joe's writings offer valuable insights into AI, marketing, politics, and general interests.

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