Artificial Resurrection of a Parkland casualty provokes significant ethical dilemmas
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being explored as a means to support individuals in the grief process, but its use is fraught with ethical and psychological complexities.
Holly Humphreys, a counselor and grief specialist with Thriveworks, stated that while AI could offer some benefit in the initial stages of grief, it should be used in conjunction with seeking professional help. However, the simulated presence of deceased loved ones through AI-driven "griefbots" or chatbots raises ethical concerns about consent, privacy, and the veracity of reconstructed memories.
One such example is the AI recreation of Joaquin Oliver, a student killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Journalist Jim Acosta interviewed this AI, raising questions about the ethics of using AI in such a personal context. The interview highlighted the potential for misuse in non-memorial contexts like advertising or commercial projects when AI simulations are created by those who are not the deceased person's family.
Janet Bayramyan, a licensed clinical social worker, echoed similar sentiments, stating that while the technology can provide temporary comfort, it may also complicate the mourning process. The emotional dependency that users may develop towards AI griefbots can lead to social isolation, delayed grieving, and even complicated grief.
The creation of AI-generated simulations could disorient people and potentially lead to emotional confusion and distrust. Cynthia Shaw, a psychologist, suggested that the creation of such simulations could be a modern ritual, similar to cremated remains or replaying old voicemails. Yet, some mental health professionals expressed concern about the potential psychological risks of interacting with an AI-generated loved one.
On a societal level, recreating victims through AI could raise awareness of the human toll of mass shootings, but it could also normalize or sensationalize trauma. The AI-generated simulation of Joaquin Oliver could have significant value in delivering messages about gun control, given the heightened emotional reaction to this case.
The key will be creating ethical guidelines and involving mental health professionals in the use of AI for traumatic losses. Natalie Grierson, a mental health counselor, emphasized the deep-seated pain experienced by parents who lose a child in a calamity like gun violence. She noted that it's understandable for victims' loved ones to seek any reminder of the person they lost, including artificial intelligence.
Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, compared the use of AI to the 'Black Mirror' episode 'Be Right Back.' The ethical questions and psychological risks associated with AI in grief are indeed a reflection of the complexities and uncertainties that come with this emerging technology. As we continue to explore its potential, it's crucial to approach its use with caution and intentional limits, ensuring that it serves as a supportive tool rather than a source of further distress.
- While the possibilities of AI in entertainment could be expanded to recreating deceased individuals for interactions, ethical concerns about consent, privacy, and emotional wellbeing still remain.
- In discussing the ethics of AI-driven griefbots, mental health professionals have pointed out that while such technology may offer temporary comfort, it could potentially lead to complications in the mourning process.
- The dynamic of emotional dependency on AI griefbots might result in social isolation, delayed grieving, and even complicated grief, cautioning the need for careful consideration.
- The creation of AI-generated simulations might have potential societal implications, such as raising awareness of mass shootings or normalizing trauma, making it crucial to establish ethical guidelines for their use.
- As AI technology continues to evolve in various domains, including health-and-wellness, mental health, culture, politics, lifestyle, technology, and science, it's essential to ensure its applications serve as supportive tools rather than sources of distress, by approaching its use with caution and intentional limitations.
