A Black Mirror episode has become reality: AI avatars that “keep” deceased loved ones “alive” have been introduced
A new startup, 2Wai, has introduced its new application that allows people to “keep” their deceased loved ones “alive” as AI avatars. The application, named HoloAvatar, has sparked controversy.
When Black Mirror, which reveals the dark side of technology, explored the idea of bringing deceased loved ones back to life as AI avatars years ago in its episode “Be Right Back,” the possibility of this unsettling scenario one day becoming reality was discussed. However, probably no one realized this future was so close. Nevertheless, the leap in the field of artificial intelligence over the last two years has already led to the emergence of similar projects.
2Wai, a Los Angeles-based startup, has introduced its new application that creates digital avatars of deceased individuals, allowing users to interact with them. This application, which stands on ethically controversial ground, has, as you might guess, resonated widely on social media. Social media users, referencing that famous Black Mirror episode, seem to be largely in agreement that this is a bad idea. However, despite all these discussions, it is also acknowledged that 2Wai’s application could find an audience. Indeed, the application has already demonstrated its potential by receiving over 4 million views in a short time.
The promotional video shared by the company’s co-founder, Calum Worthy, demonstrates how the application works with dramatic examples. A woman talks to her deceased mother on her phone; months later, this digital “grandmother” tells a fairy tale to her newborn grandchild. In the video’s later scenes, the child is seen growing up, having casual conversations with the avatar, and announcing to his “grandmother” as an adult that he “will be having a grandchild” (implying he will be a parent). The statement at the end of the video, “With 2Wai, three minutes can last forever,” summarizes the application’s claim.
The application, with its beta version published on the App Store, allows users to create interactive digital characters called HoloAvatar. 2Wai states that these avatars can have the same facial features as the desired person, speak with the same voice, and even possess a personality fed by the person’s memories. According to Worthy’s statement, the company aims to build “a living archive of humanity.”
HoloAvatar Could Become Even More Unsettling by Being Integrated into Robots in the Future
Experts who find 2Wai’s application quite problematic argue that such a technology could artificially prolong the grieving process and damage healthy emotional development by offering digital comfort instead of genuine loss. Experts also point out that because these avatars are derived from personal data, they are pushing boundaries on ethical issues such as privacy, consent, and representation.
Another dimension of the reactions relates to concerns about the future. In an era where digital avatars are rapidly becoming more realistic, the possibility that physical android “copies” could emerge in the future, combined with advancements in robotics, has begun to be discussed. Such a scenario could bring us one step closer to the dystopian reality of Black Mirror.
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