AI and grief – the two concepts may seem unrelated at first, but in today’s technology-driven world, the lines between them are blurring. Parisford, a psychotherapist and broadcaster, unpacks this complex issue with a focus on a new phenomenon – the use of AI in the grieving process.
AI-Assisted Bereavement: The New Normal?
It all began when a bereaved individual, an avid tech enthusiast, used a chat AI, GPT, to process messages they had received from their recently deceased parent. By inputting the old Facebook messages and text messages into the AI, the individual was able to receive responses that were reminiscent of the deceased parent’s way of speaking.
This development appears to be a technological iteration of an old habit – saving messages from loved ones. However, it takes the concept to a new level, making the communication seem ongoing, rather than a one-off reminder of a lost loved one.
AI, Grief, and the Search for Connection
The usage of AI in this manner isn’t rare. Many individuals have started to use it regularly to feel a connection with their deceased loved ones. They report that this artificial interaction aids their grieving process. However, this leads to the question: Does it truly help or does it only prolong the grief by maintaining an artificial connection with the deceased?
While the comfort derived from this pseudo-connection might make people feel more secure, it also runs the risk of preventing them from fully accepting their loss and moving on.
A Double-Edged Sword?
Those who oppose this AI-assisted grieving process argue that, while it may feel good to “speak” to a deceased loved one again, it could exacerbate their grief over time. Knowing that the conversation isn’t authentic may deepen the feeling of loss.
On the other hand, individuals yearning for human connection and wanting to feel the presence of their deceased loved one might find the experience helpful. The ability to engage in simulated conversations could potentially alleviate their grief, or at least help them manage it better.
However, caution should be exercised so that this form of grieving doesn’t take precedence over real-life relationships, which can play a vital role in the healing process.
The Future of AI and Grief
As technology evolves, the ethical implications of AI-assisted grieving come to the fore. Issues like whether it’s morally acceptable to digitally resurrect someone, and the need for a digital “do not resuscitate” order have been discussed.
There’s also the question of using AI to recreate the interactions with not only deceased individuals but also those who are absent due to breakups, divorce, or even celebrities one might have a crush on.
The human need for connection is profound and vital, which could lead to the increased use of AI in fulfilling this desire. However, it’s crucial to find a balance between using AI as a tool to cope with loss and allowing it to potentially hinder the natural grieving process.
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