In a world where technology constantly pushes the boundaries, an American start-up named “You, Only Virtual” proposes to recreate digital versions of our deceased loved ones, allowing for interactions with avatars powered by artificial intelligence. This innovation, while fascinating, raises numerous concerns among psychologists, who warn against the psychological consequences of maintaining an artificial relationship with the deceased.
A troubling technology
The promise of “You, Only Virtual” is simple: it involves transforming the digital traces left by the deceased, such as SMS, voice notes or messages, into avatars capable of conversing through artificial intelligence. Its founder, Justin Harrison, personally used this technology to create a virtual version of his mother, who passed away from cancer in 2020. Users can thus interact with these avatars, share news, and relive memories in a troubling yet natural manner.
The grief robots
This technology has introduced what are called “grief robots”, a concept emerging from Silicon Valley. Their creators seem to want to treat the grieving process as a simple problem to solve. The idea of digitally resurrecting loved ones raises questions about the emotional health of users and how they cope with their grief.
The reservations of psychologists
Many psychologists are concerned about the implications of this virtual reality. They remind us that the grieving process does not involve forgetting those who have passed, but rather learning to live with their absence. Healthy grieving requires a personal integration of the memories of the deceased, allowing one to continue moving forward. By maintaining an artificial presence, users may find themselves stuck in a form of eternal attachment, hindering any progress toward acceptance of the loss.
The risk of freezing memory
Specialists warn that resorting to these technologies could freeze the memory of a loved one in a permanent simulation. By not allowing the user to confront the reality of death, they could deprive themselves of reflecting on the value of the life they lost and the memories they cherish. This paradox raises ethical questions about the use of technology to confront mortality.
Similar experiences around the world
This concept of recreating connections with the deceased is not unique to “You, Only Virtual”. In Japan, for example, the Digital Shaman project explores the creation of avatars intended to maintain the presence of a deceased loved one. These developments open up a necessary debate about the relationship societies have with grief and the memory of loved ones.
An essential ethical debate
One aspect that remains unclear is the question of the consent of the deceased. Would it be ethical to digitize and reanimate a person without their explicit agreement? Society faces moral dilemmas that could lead to the establishment of wills, specifying how the memories and data of our loved ones should be handled after their death.
Some discussions in the legal and ethical field could also emerge, aiming to frame the use of such applications, whether restrictive or, conversely, permissive.
In light of the rise of such technologies, it seems crucial to initiate a collective dialogue to address the implications of these innovations on our mental health and our relationships with our deceased.
