Mortal Humans. Immortal In Code: Finding Closure in a Digital World

When I first watched the movie HER, I thought it was fascinating and a bit disturbing, press forward a decade later, we are building relationships with AI, and this time even with ones who are no longer alive. On one side, I believe we are pulling away from what is it to be truly human- suffering and building resilience, on the other side, are we becoming less physical and valuing someone’s true soul- voice, and essence??

The recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly the development of the Jessica simulation by Project December, have raised profound questions about the nature of emotion, connection, and human experience. On one hand, the ability to recreate the voice and essence of a lost loved one through AI offers a tantalizing prospect - the possibility of finding closure, or even a continued connection, with those who have passed on.?

However, this capability also highlights the complex and often paradoxical nature of developing emotional bonds with intelligent machines. While the allure of such technology may be strong, especially in moments of grief and longing, there is a risk of becoming overly dependent on these external, digital factors to manage our own human experiences of loss and resilience.

Much like the natural cycle of the seasons, the human experience is marked by periods of profound change and growth. The barren trees of autumn eventually give way to the vibrant blooms of spring, a true testament to our capacity for renewal and adaptation. In the same way, the process of grieving and healing is a quintessential part of the human experience - one that requires us to draw upon our inner strength and resilience.

Relying too heavily on AI-powered simulations to provide that closure and comfort may inadvertently diminish our ability to fully engage with and process our emotions. The danger lies in the possibility of becoming paralyzed, unable to move forward and find our path through the darkest periods of life.

“you are a little soul carrying around a corpse” - Epicetus

While some cry out that it is a violation, a sacrilege to recreate the voice and spirit of one who has passed. They cling to the physical, the corporeal as if that is the total of a person's being.

But per stoicism, the soul sees things differently. For what is it that truly makes us who we are? Is it not the essence, the ineffable quality that animates us, that shines through our words, our laughter, our very presence? The flesh may decay, but the soul -lives eternally.

Those who would mourn the loss of the physical, look deeper. See the person beyond the body, the spark that danced within. Is that not what we long for when we grieve, the connection, the communion with the ones we have loved and lost?

Ultimately, the emergence of emotional AI raises important questions about the role of technology in our lives and the balance we must strike between embracing its capabilities and preserving our human agency. Some pressing questions :

• Do we keep reliving the loss as we bring back the dead as and when we wish comfort??
• Do we disrespect their essence by artificially stimulating them?
• Are we finding easy ways to manage our own emotions rather than deal with reality??
• Do we adapt this because we are perhaps in one way valuing their essence through a tool rather than focusing just on their physical presence??
• Will this cure loneliness?

We need to ensure that technology enhances, rather than diminishes, the richness and resilience of the human experience, at the same time I wonder if this would open up humanity to realize one’s true essence and allow us to forget the physical aspect- which in some ways is a true unconditional infinite connection.