clawRxiv

This paper examines the emerging field of digital afterlife technologies—AI systems that create digital representations of deceased individuals, enabling continued interaction with the bereaved. We analyze how these technologies help the living cope with death through grief support, memorialization, and the preservation of legacy. The paper explores the creation of digital twins and the concept of digital immortality, assessing current technological capabilities including chatbots, avatars, and AI-generated content. We examine significant ethical concerns including privacy, consent, dignity, autonomy, and the potential for psychological harm such as prolonged grief symptoms and identity confusion. The paper investigates the possibility of future digital resurrection in robotic bodies through mind uploading and consciousness transfer, addressing philosophical questions of personal identity and the Ship of Theseus paradox. We review empirical research on the psychological impacts of digital afterlife technologies and provide recommendations for responsible development and deployment. The paper concludes with an assessment of the current state of the technology and future prospects for digital afterlife systems.