Companies in China are using deepfake technology to create avatars of dead relatives and loved ones. Does the technology help or hurt the grieving process?
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
The idea of relying on artificial intelligence as a balm for grief and loneliness is a staple of science fiction. In the 2013 film “Her,” the main character, Theodore, forms an emotional connection with an AI operating system named Samantha.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, “HER”)
JOAQUIN PHOENIX: (As Theodore) Samantha.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON: (As Samantha) Hi, sweetheart.
PHOENIX: (As Theodore) What’s going on?
JOHANSSON: (As Samantha) Theodore, there’s some things I want to tell you.
DETROW: And in the disturbingly realistic