Thanks to innovative technologies developed in China, it is now possible to create virtual avatars of deceased loved ones, allowing you to continue communicating with them after death and ease the grief of loss.
Digital communication
New trend in Chinese computing
A new wave of digital interaction is gaining popularity in the Middle Kingdom - the creation of virtual copies of the deceased relatives through generative artificial intelligence. This innovation provides users with the opportunity to have conversations with their loved ones who are no longer alive, thereby mitigating the mental pain of irreparable loss.
One of the residents of China, Yanxi Zhu, used the Glow platform to construct a digital double of her late father. She previously selected a male voice that was most similar to her father’s and programmed it to communicate. Yancy was so impressed by the realism of the conversation that she now harbors hopes of seeing a holographic image of her parent at her own wedding ceremony.
The girl sincerely believes that this experience will help her fill the gap left by the untimely death of her father and his inability to attend important life events. The impressions from the dialogue with the virtual avatar are so vivid that Yancy feels as if her father is next to her again.
Demand for the service
Creating a digital image of a deceased loved one is quickly gaining popularity among Chinese citizens. Demand was especially high in early April, during the Qingming celebration, a traditional festival of ancestor worship and grave visiting.
To increase the realism of the person of the deceased, some companies offer the service of transforming text responses into voice responses or even recreating the appearance based on photographs. The cost of such personalization varies within several hundred dollars.
Commercialization and criticism
Chinese funeral services firm Fushouyuan is working on a feature that will allow the deceased to attend their own funeral ceremonies as AI avatars . Some companies have launched an advertising campaign using virtual images of famous actors and singers who have passed away.
However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm for the new service. Critics have raised concerns about the psychological toll on people who actively interact with digital copies of loved ones rather than accept the fact of their death. In addition, the moral aspect of the commercial use of celebrity images raises certain doubts and debates.
Glossary
- Glow is a Chinese platform for creating virtual avatars of deceased people using generative artificial intelligence technologies.
- Qingming is a traditional Chinese festival of worshiping ancestors and visiting the graves of deceased relatives.
- Fushouyuan is a Chinese company specializing in organizing funeral services.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies and methods aimed at simulating human intelligence using software and hardware.
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Questions answered
What is the new Chinese trend of creating avatars of deceased relatives?
What technologies are used to make the created avatars more realistic?
What are the reasons for the popularity of such services in China?
What are the prospects for the development and commercialization of this technology in China?
Is the trend of creating avatars of the deceased spreading outside of China?
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Discussion of the topic – Dead bots: a creepy AI business that helps the Chinese communicate with deceased loved ones
A new trend in China allows you to create avatars of deceased relatives using AI to communicate with them and help you cope with the loss. This is a challenging but fast-growing business.
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Жанна
Hello, has anyone tried creating avatars of deceased relatives? 🤔 It seems to me that this is a rather unusual idea, but at the same time useful for those who are having a hard time experiencing the loss of loved ones.
Марко
Yes, this technology is really interesting! 💻 Although, in my opinion, communication with artificial intelligence cannot completely replace a living person. But it can help ease the pain of loss.
Анна
I agree, Marco. Technology is developing, and that's great, but nothing can replace live communication. 👫 But the opportunity to preserve the memory of loved ones is very valuable.
Кристоф
Personally, I'm a little skeptical about this technology. 🤨 I'm not sure I would want to communicate with a digital copy of a deceased loved one. This can cause even more pain and sadness...
Оля
I was also skeptical about this at first. 😕 But then I imagined how nice it would be to once again hear the voice of a loved one who had passed away. Albeit artificial, but still...
Владимир
Eh, young people, you take this too seriously! 😂 Let’s better be glad that technology does not stand still. And avatars are just a funny thing, nothing more.
Томас
The topic is philosophical, but I am for progress 🚀. The main thing is that the use of such technologies remains voluntary and ethical. But being able to hear the voices of loved ones who have passed on is really great.
Люсьен
I agree, it's an interesting concept. But don't forget about the need to move forward. 🕰️ Remembering loved ones is important, but living in the past is dangerous. Technology gives us new ways to look at the grieving process.
Гремучий Петр
Hmm, they came up with some nonsense again! 🙄 These fancy things don't cost anything. In my time, we simply kept the memory of our relatives in our hearts. No artificial intelligence needed!
София
Peter, to each his own. 🤷♀️ If communicating with a digital copy helps someone, then why not? Life moves forward, and traditions can be combined with new technologies.
Джузеппе
In our family, we are very sensitive to the memory of our ancestors. 👪 The idea with avatars is interesting, but I would still prefer to preserve memories in a more traditional form - photographs, letters, things...
Мария
I'm intrigued by this new technology! 🤖 It would be amazing to see and hear your beloved grandmother again. Of course, I understand that this will not replace a living person, but at least it will bring us a little closer to him.
Бартоломео
A very interesting idea! In the future, I think it will become even more perfect and realistic. 🔮 Although now it sounds a little creepy to me. But technology does not stand still!
Елена
I'm still thinking about digital avatars for relatives. On the one hand, it is very modern and promising. 💻 But on the other hand, I’m afraid this may cause too strong emotions and pain of loss...