beings to trust that individual.” Star Trek actor William Shatner, 92, recorded an interactive StoryFile video, for which he answered 597 questions. His recording will allow his family and future generations to learn about his legacy (check it out and ‘ask’ him your own questions at storyfile.com/gallery ). ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS While grief tech offers comfort to many people, others see potential pitfalls, especially around issues of privacy and consent. Heather says StoryFile intentionally avoids misleading or misrepresenting people. It does not alter video footage, or generate speculative answers on behalf of the deceased person. But emerging forms of grief tech have the ability to mimic the manner of a specific person and replicate their voice, resulting in avatars or chatbots that speak and act like that person. Marianne Bowdler, clinical services manager at bereavement support service Griefline, says AI could be helpful for facilitating
In about 10% of bereavements, people develop prolonged grief disorder, staying stuck in grief for years, even decades, she says. “There are ways to work through this. But the best thing to do to prevent that happening is to accept the reality of the loss, and feel the emotions, the pain, the anguish, the sorrow, all that goes with it.” Marianne is also concerned about people using an AI chatbot for emotional support, instead of talking to a therapist. “It’s always available, it’s free, it feels like a conversation, but it doesn’t have the ethical framework that mental-health therapists are trained to use,” she says. “It might be unethical, and it might have biases or other prejudices.” Griefline offers a free support helpline on 1300 845 745.
continuing bonds with your loved ones – an important aspect of grief. However, relying on grief tech could be a barrier to a key step in the healing process: acceptance. “You absolutely have to accept the reality of the loss – that’s non-negotiable,” she explains. “Grief doesn’t go away if you don’t acknowledge it. It just comes back.” “One gentleman feels like he has his mum in his pocket to just take her out and say, ‘Hi Mum’.” HEATHER MAIO-SMITH Co-founder, StoryFile
To help loved ones with your funeral costs, consider Seniors Funeral Insurance . To find out more, call 1300 356 681 or go to seniors.com.au For more ideas on how to deal with loss, go to seniors.com.au and search ‘coping with grief’.
StoryFile’s Stephen Smith ‘talks’ to his late mother at her funeral. Above right: Star Trek actor William Shatner records his video.
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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2023 DARE
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