[tompetry]

I have the same concerns generally. But one non-evil popped into my head...

My dad passed away a few months ago. Going through his things, I found all of his old papers and writings; they have great meaning to me. It would be so cool to have them as audio files, my dad as the narrator. And for shits, try it with a British accent.

This may not abate the concerns, but I'm sure good things will come too.

[block_dagger]

Serious question: is this a healthy way to treat ancestors? In the future will we just keep grandma around as an AI version of her middle aged self when she passes?

[tompetry]

Fair question. People have kept pictures, paintings, art, belongings, etc of their family members for countless generations. AI will surely be used to create new ways to remember loved ones. I think that is a big difference than "keeping around grandma as an AI version of herself", and pretending they are still alive, which I agree feels unhealthy.

[jaakl]

Made me think how different can be generations and what is countless. I can count back 2 and have not even seen anything about my grandfather who was born 101 years before me (1875). At least I have “signature” as XXX in 1860ies on a plan of farmland from his father, when he bought it out from slavery. And that actual farmland. Good luck AIng that heritage.

[mynameisash]

I think everyone's entitled to their opinion here. As for me, though: my brother died at 10 years old (back in the 90s). While there are some home videos with him talking, it's never for more than a few seconds at a time.

Maybe a decade ago, I came across a cassette tape that he had used to record himself reading from a book for school - several minutes in duration.

It was incredibly surprising to me how much he sounded like my older brother. It was a very emotional experience, but personally, I can't imagine using that recording to bootstrap a model whereby I could produce more of his "voice".

[Narishma]

There's a Black Mirror episode about something like that, though I don't remember the details.

[GTP]

I remember a journalist actually doing it, but just the AI part of course, not the robot.

[oli-g]

Yup, "Be Right Back", S2E1

And possibly another one, but that would be a spoiler

[ssl-3]

It seems unhealthy for us to sort out what is and is not a healthy way for someone else to mourn, or to remember, their own grandmother.

It is healthier for us to just let others do as they wish with their time without passing judgement.

[gremlinsinc]

it worked for super man, he seemed well adjusted after talking to his dead parents.

[hypertexthero]

Not sure if this is related to this tech, but I think it is worthwhile: The Beatles - Now And Then - The Last Beatles Song (Short Film)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APJAQoSCwuA