Beyond the current capabilities, the concern lies in the ownership and privacy of these avatars. Questions arise about who controls the avatar once the user is gone and whether personal data and memories are safe and secure. Additionally, the impact of interacting with AI-generated avatars on the grieving process and mental health is a growing concern.
Experts like Joanna Bryson, Professor of Ethics and Technology at Hertie School of Governance, compare the current wave of grief tech to the early days of Facebook when memorializing deceased friends was common. Bryson highlights the emotional impact of communicating with deceased individuals through new and immediate forms of communication.
However, Bryson also warns about the potential misuse of such technology. For example, teenagers may prefer interacting with AI syntheses of their best friend and celebrities, leading to disconnection from real-life relationships.
