An exploration into the future of memorialisation using emerging technologies
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions.
To many, the concept of artificial intelligence could be considered to only be found in science fiction films and books, but we use artificial intelligence almost every day, from the Siri function on apple devices, to Chatbots businesses use to communicate with their customers, assisting with things such as customer queries and making appointments.
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In January 2021, Microsoft were granted a patent to create a chatbot which uses the personal information of deceased people. It is believed that the chatbot will be generated using content such as media posts, messages, photographs and voice data gathered from social media. Microsoft have also mentioned the notion of 2D and 3D models being produced using images and video data. It has also been implied that there is a possibility that users who are still living could train a digital replacement in preparation for their death.
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Although Microsoft’s patent has not exclusively mentioned that the product would be used to create digital versions of those who have died, the plan is believed to use deceased loved ones to show examples of how the chatbot has the capability to imitate and recreate real people.
BLACK MIRROR -
BE RIGHT BACK
‘Black Mirror’, the British science fiction series explores a twisted, high-tech multiverse where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide. The series forces you to consider how technology may alter our future lives. The technology in these episodes are simply examples of what could be.
This Black Mirror episode ‘Be Right Back’ deals with the concept of artificial intelligence and its use for memorialisation and remembrance. Following the story of a woman whose partner is killed in an accident. Her friend signs her up for a service which enables people to communicate with their deceased loved ones. Beginning to communicate via email, moving to phone calls, soon
developing to a physical body.
The episode shows a large box being delivered containing a dehydrated human form which is to be formed in a bath with some electrolytes and nutrient gel, from this simple process a human form is produced. Although acting as a human, she soon begins to realise that this ‘person’ is simply a machine who is programmed from all the things her deceased partner had posted online.