An AI skeptic turned developer
AI developer Jason Rohrer, the founder of Project December, was initially skeptical about the possibility of having cohesive conversations with machines. However, after discovering that it was suddenly possible in 2020, he built a service around it so that others could experience this futuristic technology.
His work gained attention when it was featured in the documentary film “Eternal You” at the Sundance Film Festival. However, Rohrer found that documentaries can sometimes distort reality for dramatic effect, leading to viral and sensationalized content.
The misunderstood chatbot
Rohrer’s creation, Samantha, an AI chatbot built with OpenAI’s GPT-3, gained popularity but had its limitations. Generative AI models like Samantha are known to generate false or disturbing responses.
The misrepresented conversation
In “Eternal You,” a scene depicted an AI avatar of a deceased loved one claiming to be in hell and haunting someone. According to Rohrer, this scene was edited in a misleading way by the filmmakers. The full conversation between the user and the chatbot involved various topics and took place over 85 hours. The filmmakers cherry-picked certain parts to create a shocking narrative.
Using AI for closure
Rohrer clarified that users of Project December voluntarily seek out simulated conversations and are fully aware of what they can expect. Although Project December was not originally intended for simulating the dead, users started using it that way due to their personal reasons.
The risks and benefits
Grief counselors caution against using AI to communicate with deceased loved ones as it can prolong the grieving process and hinder acceptance of death. However, some believe that it can be a helpful tool for processing emotions and thoughts related to the loss.
Mourner beware
Rohrer acknowledges the controversy surrounding the use of AI in this way but believes that adults should have the freedom to decide whether or not to use it. Despite being criticized as exploiting vulnerable people, Project December is a small project with minimal costs and has helped some users.
Hot Take: The Complex Ethics of Using AI to Communicate with the Deceased
The rise of AI-powered chatbots trained on information about deceased individuals has sparked a debate about the ethical implications of such technology. While some view it as a helpful tool for processing grief and finding closure, others caution against its potential negative impact on the grieving process. The recent documentary “Eternal You” showcased an edited conversation that misrepresented the capabilities and intentions of AI chatbots. However, developer Jason Rohrer defends the freedom of individuals to use this technology, emphasizing that users are fully consenting adults who understand the risks involved. Ultimately, the ethical use of AI in communicating with the deceased remains a complex and controversial topic.
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