Life after death: AI chatbots bringing lost loved ones back

December 17, 2023

By Kim Komando

This weekend on my national radio show, I’m chatting with the co-founder and CEO of a company called StoryFile Life, Stephen Smith. I couldn’t wait to tell you more about what they’re doing — and the other companies doing something similar.

In a nutshell, they’re using tech to preserve memories. Stephen has an AI version of his mom, who passed away. Thousands of customers have AI versions of their loved ones.

StoryFile and others can bring comfort to the grieving — but they’re leaving some people unsettled. 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 different options to immortalize loved ones while they’re still Earthside. 

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, around 5,000 people have created profiles.

Loved ones can ask the persona a question, and then the system sifts through corresponding interview clips to find an intuitive response. Just imagine that for a second about a loved one you miss.

Another company, HereAfter AI, came along in 2019 and added an element: Interactive videos where subjects make eye contact, breathe and blink as they respond to questions. Super lifelike … but also surreal.

Legends live on

You might be thinking, “So, who’s doing this?” Really, folks from all walks of life.

Lynne Nieto, founder of the company 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 watch and it felt a bit raw. 

I’m not surprised to hear that. I don’t know exactly 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 uncomfortable.

AI immortality

Looking to try out this new AI tech for yourself? Here’s how to get started. I bet you’ll be surprised at how affordable they are, too.

• HearAfter AI uses a chatbot to ask questions about loved ones and their life history. Then, HereAfter instructs users to submit audio recordings of the subject talking about memorable moments in their lives and photos to make things more personal. You can start with a 14-day free trial. After, plans start at $3.99 a month.
• StoryFile Life records a video of yourself or a loved one answering questions about your life. Responses are saved for future generations to interact with. The free trial includes 33 questions. You can add more questions for $1 each or purchase a bundle plan, starting with a one-time $49 fee.
• YOV generates an “authentic essence” (a Versona) so that one can continue to share precious moments with a loved one, even after physical death. The current cost to build and communicate with a Versona is $19.99 monthly. 

I want to know what you think. Would you want one of those chatbots that sounds like a loved one? What about your family making one after you’re gone?