‘I created my mom and talk to her’: AI ghosts and deathslop are changing the way we mourn
The rise of AI-generated tributes and bots for ‘talking’ to the dead has experts concerned more people will grieve in isolation Tributes rolled in after the death of Dolly Parton last month. Jack White performed Jolene at a London gig. Kesha sang Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You), a single her mother wrote for the country music titan. Even Pitbull stopped his Madison Square Garden show to…
In the wake of Dolly Parton's passing, tributes quickly followed suit across various platforms. Renowned artists like Jack White, Kesha, and Pitbull paid their respects by performing songs dedicated to the country music icon. Even Pitbull halted his Madison Square Garden show to honor Parton and the "powerful women" in the audience. However, one of the most peculiar and widely shared eulogies was not delivered by a human or a celebrity. Instead, it was an AI-generated rendition of "Run Jolene," a classic country tune.
The five-minute long song, featuring a twangy singer, banjo licks, and corny lyrics, recited the fictional romantic rival Jolene, as famously sung by Parton. The AI clone of Parton crooned, "Somebody better warn Jolene / Dolly’s coming through those gates," and advised, "Run Jolene / Girl you better move your feet."
Experts are alarmed by the growing trend of AI-generated tributes and bots for "talking" to the deceased. They fear that more people may be grieving in isolation, relying on these artificial entities to provide solace. The rise of such digital memories raises questions about the authenticity and emotional impact of these virtual memorials. As AI continues to evolve, the way we mourn and remember the departed may undergo significant changes, potentially blurring the lines between reality and artificiality.
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