Re;memory: A Black Mirror-like AI that Allows You to Connect With The Dead
Imagine holding a conversation with a loved one who has passed away, to hear their voice, their laughter, and to relive their memories. In recent decades, technology has been trying to make communication with lost loved ones a reality by creating a communication bridge between the living and the dead.
From chatbots that simulate conversation with the deceased to virtual assistants that mimic their personalities, the advancements in AI have been astounding. But, recently, a revolutionary technology from DeepMind AI in South Korea called Re;memory has taken this concept to a new level.
Re;memory allows you to interact with the memories of your loved ones as if they were still here with you. This new age is an exciting time for technology and an opportunity to explore the capabilities of AI to comfort those grieving. Ghoulish or Revolutionary? Let us find out.
How Re;memory Works
Re;memory allows individuals to connect with their loved ones virtually through a system that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. The novel technology creates a digital version of a person using their memories, conversations, and social media history.
This data aggregation allows users to interact with the digital version of their loved one as if they were still alive and to relive memories and conversations with them in a virtual environment. The technology has yet to be widely available, but according to DeepMind, the cost for the initial aggregation of data and the first conversation will be around $12,000 to $20,000.
Additionally, there will be a cost of over $1000 for each subsequent visit to the virtual environment. It is worth noting that these costs may vary depending on the amount of data and the duration of the virtual interactions.
Furthermore, Deepmind emphasizes that, while the technology is still in its early stages, and the price may be high, it offers a new form of comfort and closure to those who have lost a loved one. However, it is crucial to consider the financial accessibility of this technology and the potential ethical implications of pricing grief and memories.
Where Have I Seen This Before?
The concept of communication with the dead in this article may sound familiar to fans of the popular science fiction series “Black Mirror.” In the episode “Be Right Back,” a similar technology is on display.
In the episode, a woman who has lost her partner uses a service that creates a digital version of her husband using his social media history. She then interacts with the digital version of him in a virtual environment.
The episode explores the emotional and ethical implications of such technology as the protagonist struggles with the nature of the digital version of her partner and whether or not it truly captures his essence.
It also raises questions about what it means to grieve and how technology can play a role in the process. Finally, it is worth noting that the episode premiered in 2013, and the technology depicted in “Black Mirror” is fictional.
However, connecting with loved ones who have passed away through technology is no longer just science fiction. It is a reality, as we see in the case of Re;memory. The episode serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the potential consequences of this technology and the cruciality of considering its ethical implications.
