More and more people are talking to dead celebrities via AI… but is it healthy?
AI is developing so fast that it can almost do everything nowadays. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to talk to a celebrity one-on-one? And what if they are deceased? This new trend is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Here's everything you need to know about it.
The use of AI on deceased personalities is sparking reactions. Recently, at the 2024 South by Southwest event in Austin, Texas, the AI company Soul Machines made headlines by unveiling a digital version of Marilyn Monroe. For the occasion, the company explained:
This is the revolutionary reality of Digital Marilyn, brought to life through Soul Machines' groundbreaking Biological AI technology. More than just an impressive imitation, Digital Marilyn is a self-contained digital persona capable of engaging in natural and dynamic, authentic and responsive conversations.
The company promises, among other things, to engage in fluid and natural conversations that adapt to your interests, and that its AI is capable of expressing realistic and nuanced emotions. Reactions have not always been favorable to this initiative. Indeed, some experts believe that this chatbot constitutes "a new exploitation of a woman who has already been exploited during her career."
However, Soul Machines fully embraces this experience. "This collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of AI in connecting brands and consumers. Digital Marilyn showcases our Biological AI, bringing an iconic personality to life through engaging dialogues and emotional intelligence. It's more than nostalgia; it's a glimpse into the future of immersive interactions." said Greg Cross, CEO and Co-founder of Soul Machines.
This initiative raises ethical questions about the AI of deceased celebrities. For example, last year, Robin Williams' daughter, Zelda, considered that AI recreations of her father's voice were "unsettling."
However, the creators of digital Marilyn Monroe do not agree though: "Marilyn Monroe remains a timeless icon, inspiring generations with her talent, charisma, and enduring legacy. We are thrilled to partner with Soul Machines, whose cutting-edge technology is the perfect match to bring Marilyn to life in the AI age. While Marilyn Monroe can never be replaced or duplicated, Digital Marilyn opens exciting possibilities for multiple generations of fans to engage with her in a whole new way, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for her enduring spirit and the mark she left on the world." said Dana Carpenter, EVP Entertainment, at Authentic Brands Group who partnered with Soul Machines for this collaborative project.
Nevertheless, this movement seems to be well underway. There is a new AI-powered service called Character.ai, where one can converse with AI versions of Elon Musk, Napoleon Bonaparte, Albert Einstein, or even Socrates and Friedrich Nietzsche.
The platform is booming, and according to data from a few months ago, it is the second most used AI website in the world, capturing the equivalent of 20% of ChatGPT's traffic.
What do you think of these initiatives that allow for conversations with AI of deceased individuals? Feel free to share your perspective in the comments.