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Life after death: AI chatbots bringing lost loved ones back
For me, the holidays are when I miss my parents, grandparents and loved ones who’ve passed away the most. But maybe we can still keep our lost family and friends with us in a different way.
You see, there’s been an upsurge in people tapping into AI to create virtual versions of their loved ones. I wanted to get a deeper look, and now you can, too.
We are so back
Founded in 2017 (ancient history in tech time), StoryFile offers a couple of options to immortalize loved ones while they’re still on Earth.
At the basic level, a laptop and webcam capture their image and likeness in an interview-style fashion — by an actual historian, for an extra fee. StoryFile’s AI uses the material to create a digital persona. Today, over 5,000 people have created profiles.
Loved ones can ask the persona a question, then the system sifts through corresponding interview clips to find an intuitive response. Just imagine a loved one you’d love to chat with again.
Another company, HereAfter AI, came along in 2019 and added another element: Interactive videos where subjects make eye contact, breathe and blink as they respond to questions. It’s super lifelike … but also surreal.
Legends live on
You might be thinking, “So, who’s doing this?” The answer: Folks from all walks of life.
Lynne Nieto, founder of Life Fitness, created a StoryFile before her husband passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease. She did it mainly for their grandchildren. She watched the file for the first time about six months after he died. Lynne says it was a little hard to view, and it felt a bit raw.
I’m not surprised to hear that. I don’t know how I’d feel about seeing my mom or dad again, but I’m pretty sure it’d be overwhelming.
StoryFile interviewed actor Ed Asner eight weeks before he died in 2021. They sent Ed’s StoryFile to his son, Matt, who couldn’t believe his eyes. He says it was like his dad was looking right at him, answering his questions.
Matt played the file at his father’s memorial service. Some people were deeply touched, but he says others were very uncomfortable.
AI immortality
Looking to try out this AI tech for yourself? Here’s how to get started:
- HearAfter AI uses a chatbot to ask questions about your loved one and their life. Submit audio recordings of the person recounting any memorable moments, along with photos to make things more personal. A 14-day trial is free, then plans start at $3.99 a month.
- StoryFile Life records a video of you or a loved one answering questions. Responses are saved for future generations to interact with. The free trial includes 33 questions. You can add more for $1 each or purchase a bundle plan, starting at $49. There’s a commercial from William Shatner on the site that’s worth watching.
- Eternos has the tools to capture your voice, share your memories and create a digital version of yourself. Pricing starts at $25 a month.
It’s just the birth of this tech
Amazon is set to release an Alexa update that lets the system mimic any voice, even that of a deceased loved one. At its annual re:MARS event in 2022, Amazon shared a video showing its Alexa voice assistant reading a bedtime story to a young boy using his grandmother’s voice instead of the Alexa default.
Would you want a chatbot that sounds like a loved one? What about your family making one of you after you’re gone? When you rate this newsletter at the end, leave a comment and let me know!
Speaking of passing … Don’t challenge death to a pillow fight unless you’re prepared for the reaper cushions.
Tags: Amazon, chatbot, companies, family, father, loved ones, memories, tech, video
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