New tools to simulate a conversation with the deceased using artificial intelligence would be detrimental to grieving a loved one.
At least that’s the opinion shared by psychologist Paul Langevin in an interview with TVA Nouvelles.
“I asked myself a lot of questions and contacted a few colleagues. We can all agree that mourning really isn’t a good idea,” says Mr Langevin.
With software like Forever Voices, users can currently simulate conversations with deceased people such as Steve Jobs.
The prospect of downloading the voice of a loved one who has lost their life gives the psychologist a headache.
“In a grieving process, we have to let go,” he explains. And we ask ourselves: If you are still in touch and you think that’s the reality, that you’re talking to someone because you’re in pain and you’re vulnerable, surely there will be difficulties, because the person will have difficulties, to move on to the next stage and get back to life altogether.”
This is already a phenomenon that psychologists observe when a person repeatedly watches the video of the deceased.
“We have to tell them to put the DVD or USB stick aside or ask a loved one to pick up the DVD or USB stick to keep until they can listen to you better,” he continues.
While it’s fine to speak to a deceased person, the reaction the AI allows would be problematic.
“In a grieving process, it’s healthy to talk to the deceased, but they don’t react, so it’s self-communication,” says the psychologist. We’re talking about other things here. The person responds, and with what they respond, we can do anything with it.”
Malicious people make the psychologist fear the worst.
“We are weak […] So what scares me is the malicious people that in artificial intelligence would make anyone say anything, that’s the dangerous thing.
According to Langevin, other possible uses of artificial intelligence are also to be feared, including the simulation of a romantic relationship.
“If we are not able to live our life naturally and we have to fall in love with a robot, and if we are at the limit, they will put the ex-spouse’s likeness on the robot, so they will work there be prevented from moving forward,” he shares.
Watch the full interview in the video above