Immortalized by AI

Soon it may be possible to immortalize

A human being after death, to memorialize

Their unique personality and traits

To interact with their video image that AI would generate

To hear their voice, get their advice..

What exactly would be the price

Of keeping someone in memories in this unnatural way

Would the grief of losing them go away?

Or would it prolong attachment to someone

Who no longer exists as a flesh and blood person

Would this not be a form of deception?

I am curious to know about the reception

Of this warped idea by ethicists everywhere

Of the dangers of AI as we become more aware

Limits shall need to be enforced such that the lines

Of morality stay sharply defined…

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Many people would like the idea of being able to provide

Comfort to their loved ones after they pass, to guide

Their younger generations if they cannot be there

For someone with a devastating illness where life already seems unfair

This would be a practical way to soften the blow

Of their untimely death, to let their near and dear ones know

That a part of who they were would outlive

Them in a manner much more interactive

Their “avatar” would reflect their world view

Talk and give advice life they would have too..

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For a child about to lose his parent too soon

This capability could be interpreted as a boon

To have the ability to talk to and get valuable advice

From a parental figure would be nice..

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There is no black and white answer here

While the technology has some merit, I fear

For its misuse, there is huge potential

And therein lies the dilemma existential..