The launch of 2wai, an AI app allowing users to create interactive avatars of deceased loved ones, has spurred significant backlash, as reported by Forbes. Co-founded by Calum Worthy, the app generates lifelike digital recreations based on a mere three minutes of video input from users. Its advertisement, showcasing an emotional mother-son interaction, has garnered over 22 million views on X, prompting comparisons to dystopian narratives like the “Black Mirror” episode, “Be Right Back.”
Critics argue that the app commodifies grief, potentially hindering healthy emotional processing and raising ethical concerns. Environmental issues related to AI development, including high energy consumption, add to the controversy. Many users have expressed strong disapproval, describing the concept as “demonic” and “dehumanizing.” As 2wai navigates this complex landscape, it raises profound questions about technology’s role in mourning and memory. The app has secured $5 million in funding and is currently in beta on iOS.
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