Science Quickly Can AI Ease the Pain of Loss?
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Nov 12, 2025 David Berreby, a science writer and AI enthusiast, shares his fascinating journey exploring griefbots—AI tools that simulate conversations with the deceased. He discusses why people turn to these digital companions, highlighting how they can aid in the mourning process. Berreby explains the creative process behind building a griefbot and how it helps individuals socialize and reengage with their feelings. He also addresses the societal implications of griefbots and expresses cautious optimism about their ethical use in navigating loss.
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Firsthand Testing Of Grief Bots
- David Berreby tried multiple grief-bot approaches himself to understand them firsthand.
- He uploaded texts, voice and his own descriptions and compared results from several services.
Grief As A Learning Process
- Grief is a learning process where the brain reconciles the felt presence of someone with the reality of their absence.
- AI functions as a new kind of memory artifact that makes imagined conversations more literal and interactive.
Nonjudgmental Bots Can Aid Social Recovery
- People reported that AI companions didn't judge them or pressure them to move on, letting them grieve at their own pace.
- That nonjudgmental availability helped some users reengage socially rather than withdraw.