Beyond The Tomb: AI’s Duality — From Reuniting Families To Automating War
A recent article focused on the duality of innovation. Author Andy Meek describes how AI is evolving in this dual context, in this case, resurrection versus killing. He describes the futuristic turn taken by China’s Ching Ming Festival, a time-honored tradition of honoring the dead. While families still visit gravesites and burn offerings, a growing trend sees them paying for hyper-realistic AI avatars of their loved ones.
This isn’t just about grieving in the digital age. AI is rapidly evolving, presenting a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers solace by creating a semblance of connection with those who’ve passed. Companies are capitalizing on AI’s ability to create lifelike avatars. For a few dollars, families can connect with a digital version of their deceased loved ones. This technology is finding uses beyond mourning — a recent AI avatar delivered a speech for a deceased company founder.
On the other hand, it’s being weaponized, with AI identifying targets for deadly strikes. While AI offers comfort, it’s also being used for warfare. Israel’s “Lavender” system utilizes machine learning to identify potential targets, raising ethical concerns. Soldiers are essentially reduced to “rubber stamps,” approving AI-recommended targets with minimal human oversight.
This represents a dichotomy we can’t ignore. The rapid development of AI forces us to confront its potential dangers. Should algorithms determine who lives and dies? And what impact does a digital afterlife have on the grieving process? AI presents a powerful tool with immense potential for good. However, its rapid advancement demands open discussion and ethical considerations. Can we harness this technology’s positive aspects while mitigating the dangers? The future hinges on our ability to answer this critical question. Early in 2023, I shared the results of a poll that probed our willingness to interact with lost loved ones. I have watched the response shift over several iterations of the poll. So much has changed in the year since I last asked the question. I’ll ask it again below — let me know what you think.
Originally published at http://frankdiana.net on April 5, 2024.
