In the brave new world of AI, we can communicate with the dead vocally or through an AI-based avatar image, usually programmed through interviews with the soon-to-be deceased. After death, they interact as they would normally in conversation — usually with surviving relatives who want their relationship to carry on. Sometimes the experiences can be very positive and sometimes not — and in the case regarding the Parkland teen this past summer, the experience was not pleasant for many. 

But the potential exists for applications of far greater benefit to society. Why not program avatars with knowledge gleaned from experts in politics, culture, science and technology — where in addition to any interviews, a whole host of written documents by the experts could be utilized? They might help solve problems that have not even emerged yet. If the right input can be attained, how about insights from the already deceased, like Steve Jobs — or even Socrates?

Let’s hope a forward-thinking entrepreneur will explore the steps necessary to bring this to fruition. I myself don’t have such expertise — even to have used AI to compose this letter. And as far as I can tell, I am still alive and not a letter writing AI duplicate!

Neil Wollman, Ph.D.
Retired Senior Fellow, Manchester and Bentley Universities
Portland