Futures

The Emotional Impact of Virtual Reality and AI in Grieving Process, (from page 20221204.)

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Summary

The article discusses the emotional impact of technology in grief, particularly through virtual reality and artificial intelligence. It highlights a poignant case where a mother, Jang Ji-Sun, was able to say goodbye to her deceased daughter, Na-yeon, through a digitized recreation shown in a documentary, receiving millions of views. Experts explain that while such technologies can provide comfort and closure, they might also exacerbate grief, especially for unresolved losses. Various companies are developing platforms to create digital personas of deceased loved ones, allowing families to interact with them posthumously. However, there are concerns about the potential for addiction to these virtual interactions. Ultimately, the article suggests that while technology can help preserve connections with the deceased, it also raises questions about the nature of grief and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance in remembering loved ones.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Digitized Grieving Virtual reality recreations of deceased loved ones provide new avenues for grieving. Shift from traditional grieving methods to digital interactions with deceased loved ones. In ten years, virtual reality may be a common medium for grief management and closure. Advancements in AI and VR technology enable immersive experiences with lost loved ones. 4
AI-Powered Legacy Preservation Platforms allowing the creation of digital personas from deceased individuals’ online footprints. Transition from physical memories to interactive digital personas for the deceased. Digital personas might become standard for maintaining relationships with deceased loved ones. The growing digital footprint of individuals provides rich data for creating digital legacies. 5
Therapeutic Chatbots Chatbots replicating deceased individuals’ personalities offer therapeutic grief support. Move from passive reminiscence to active engagement with deceased loved ones via chatbots. Chatbots could become integral in grief therapy, providing ongoing interactions with the deceased. The need for emotional support and connection drives interest in interactive grief solutions. 5
Public Acceptance of Virtual Interactions with the Dead Increased willingness to use technology for maintaining connections with deceased loved ones. Shift from taboo surrounding death and technology to embracing virtual interactions. Society may normalize the concept of interacting with deceased loved ones through technology. Cultural shifts towards technology in personal and emotional domains influence acceptance. 4
Potential for Addiction to Digital Grief Concerns about individuals becoming overly reliant on digital recreations of deceased loved ones. Awareness of the fine line between healing and dependency in digital grief management. In ten years, there may be established guidelines for healthy engagement with digital grief. Understanding of grief psychology and technology’s impact drives the need for balance. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Emotional Dependence on Digital Representations Individuals may become overly attached to digital recreations of deceased loved ones, potentially leading to an unhealthy emotional dependence. 4
Exacerbation of Grief While digital interactions may provide comfort, they could also intensify feelings of grief, especially in unresolved cases. 4
Addiction to Virtual Interactions The ability to interact with virtual versions of deceased loved ones may become addictive, distracting individuals from engaging with the real world. 5
Ethical Considerations Creating digital personas of deceased individuals raises ethical questions regarding consent and the representation of their identities. 4
Impact on Mental Health Using technology to recreate interactions with the deceased could have varied impacts on mental health, necessitating careful consideration and guidance. 5
Digital Legacy Concerns The desire to create a digital legacy may lead to privacy concerns and the commodification of individuals after death. 3
Generational Divide in Digital Footprint The effectiveness of digital persona technologies may be limited for older generations who have less online presence, raising issues of accessibility. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Digital Re-creations of Deceased Loved Ones Using virtual reality and AI to create lifelike representations of deceased individuals for emotional connection and closure. 5
Posthumous Communication Technologies Developing platforms that allow interaction with digital personas of deceased individuals through chatbots and virtual assistants. 5
Therapeutic Grief Management Utilizing digital tools to facilitate therapeutic conversations with deceased loved ones to aid in the grieving process. 4
Legacy Preservation Initiatives Creating digital legacies from personal data to maintain a connection with loved ones after death. 4
Immersive Grief Experiences Engaging in virtual reality experiences that simulate encounters with deceased loved ones to provide comfort. 4
Social Acceptance of AI in Mourning Growing societal acceptance of AI technologies as valid means of coping with loss and maintaining connections. 4
Exploration of Grief Addiction Investigating the potential for emotional dependency on digital representations of the deceased and its implications. 3

Technologies

name description relevancy
Virtual Reality (VR) Digital re-creations of deceased individuals for immersive experiences of connection and goodbye. 5
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbots Chatbots created from the digital footprints of deceased individuals to interact with loved ones. 5
Digital Personas Platforms that create digital representations of deceased individuals based on their online data. 5
Voice Replication Technology Technology allowing virtual assistants to emulate the voices of deceased loved ones based on recordings. 4
Augmented Eternity A platform for creating digital personas that can engage with relatives posthumously. 5
Grief Therapy Technologies Digital tools aimed at helping individuals cope with loss through interaction with virtual recreations. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Digital Resurrection of Loved Ones The use of AI and VR to create digital avatars of deceased individuals for ongoing interaction with the living. 5
Grief Management through Technology The therapeutic potential and psychological implications of using technology to cope with grief and loss. 4
Ethical Concerns of Virtual Afterlife The ethical implications surrounding the creation and use of virtual representations of deceased individuals. 5
Impact of AI on Mourning Processes How AI advancements affect traditional mourning processes and the psychological impacts of digital interactions. 4
Legacy Preservation through Digital Means The increasing trend of preserving memories and legacies of deceased individuals through digital platforms. 4
Addiction to Digital Grief Tools The potential for dependency on digital recreations of loved ones and its implications for mental health. 5
Cultural Shifts in Death Practices How technological advancements are reshaping cultural practices and perceptions surrounding death and mourning. 4
Virtual Reality in Therapeutic Settings The growing use of VR technology in therapy, particularly in grief counseling and trauma recovery. 4