AI CHATBOTS LET PEOPLE 'TALK' TO DEAD LOVED ONES

As artificial intelligence advances, some people are turning to AI to maintain connections with the dead. Users can create digital versions of deceased relatives—sometimes called "AI ghosts"—that respond to messages and mimic personalities based on available data. The practice, sometimes referred to as "deathslop," involves generating AI tributes or interactive bots that simulate how a deceased person might communicate. Proponents say these tools provide comfort and a way to process grief. However, grief counselors and mental health experts express concern that AI-mediated mourning could isolate people from traditional support systems like family gatherings, memorial services, and professional counseling. They worry that synthetic interactions may prevent healthy grieving processes. The trend reflects broader questions about how technology shapes human connection during vulnerable moments. As the technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, conversations about its psychological impact and ethical boundaries are intensifying among mental health professionals and technology ethicists.