AI 'deadbots' are persuasive – and researchers say, primed for monetization
14 days ago
- #AI
- #Digital Afterlife
- #Ethics
- AI 'deadbots' are avatars of deceased people used in persuasive contexts, such as advocating for policy changes or giving impact statements in court.
- The digital afterlife industry, including deadbots, is expected to grow significantly, raising concerns about commercialization and ethical implications.
- Researchers warn that deadbots could be monetized for advertising, exploiting emotional connections with the deceased.
- Legal frameworks in the U.S. are inadequate to address potential harms from commercial uses of deadbots, such as privacy violations or exploitative advertising.
- Ethical concerns arise over the authenticity and respect for the deceased when deadbots are used for commercial purposes.
- Some companies are exploring ad-friendly deadbot scenarios, like inserting ads into conversations or gathering user preferences for targeted advertising.