The concept of Eros and Thanatos has its roots in Greek mythology, representing the forces of life and death, respectively. Eros embodies love, passion and creation, while Thanatos symbolizes destruction, the end and death. Sigmund Freud integrated these archetypes into his drive theory, describing Eros as the drive toward life, preservation and procreation, and Thanatos as the drive toward death, self-destruction and aggression.
In the digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining our relationship with the memory of the dead. One of the most striking innovations is the creation of "post-mortem avatars," digital simulations of deceased people with whom one can interact. Platforms such as Project December allow users to create chatbots that mimic real individuals, living or deceased, with whom they can converse via text or voice. In China, companies such as Super Brain and Silicon Intelligence offer services to create digital replicas of deceased people, using public data and permission from family members.
The illusion of presence and the psychological consequences
On the one hand, these tools can offer temporary comfort by maintaining an illusion of your loved one's presence. On the other, they risk hindering the natural grieving process, anchoring the individual in an artificial interaction that may undermine acceptance of the loss. Moreover, interacting with an avatar that replicates the deceased could alter authentic memories, replacing them with artificial experiences.
A significant example is that of Joshua Barbeau, who used the Project December app to recreate his deceased girlfriend, Jessica. By inputting basic information about her, he was able to converse with an AI simulation of Jessica, finding a degree of emotional closure. However, others, such as Christi Angel, had distressing experiences when their AI recreation of their deceased partner expressed feelings of being "in hell." These experiences raise questions about how these technologies may affect our perception of loss.
Another emblematic case involves the tragic story of Giulia Cecchettin, a victim of feminicide. After her disappearance, chatbots were created that simulated her person, allowing users to "interact" with a digital version of Giulia. The family gave no consent to these reconstructions, raising outrage and ethical questions about the violation of the young woman's memory and dignity.
A further example of the abuse of digital technologies post-mortem is that of Tiziana Cantone, whose case shook public opinion. After her death, the private video that led to her despair continued to circulate online, perpetuating the violation of her privacy even after her demise. This shows how technology can amplify pain and suffering rather than alleviate it.
Deepfakes and real avatars: between risk and opportunity
Another technology related to post-mortem avatars is that of deepfakes, which are AI-generated videos that can perfectly reproduce a person's face and voice, even after his or her death. While the risk of abuse is obvious, there are also cases where deepfakes have been used ethically and positively.
Some families have chosen to "donate" the digital avatar of their deceased loved one, especially if it is a distinguished person or artist, to museums and cultural initiatives. A virtuous example is the project of some institutions that have recreated the voices and likenesses of scientists, writers and artists for popular and educational purposes, allowing the public to "dialogue" with historical figures.
This type of AI use is no longer driven by Eros, the drive for life and desire, but by Agape or, as the Latins put it, Humanitas: a selfless and universal love for humanity. Technology, in this case, becomes a bridge between past and future, a tool for preserving knowledge and passing it on to new generations in an innovative and engaging way.
Artificial intelligence is redefining the way we remember our departed loved ones. A
If used with awareness and respect, this technology can become a powerful cultural and dissemination tool, honoring the memory of the deceased and turning remembrance into a legacy for posterity. Only in this way can AI reflect not only with Eros, but also Agape and Humanitas, restoring to memory the profound value it deserves.
Sources and insights
- Psychotherapy Psychology - Eros and Thanatos in Freud's psychoanalysis
- The Scottish Sun - I brought my dead partner back to life using £8 AI app to finally say goodbye
- Sky TG24 - The case of Giulia Cecchettin and AI
- [Technology Review - Deepfakes of deceased loved ones are a booming Chinese business](https://www.technologyreview.it
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