On August 30, I awoke with excitement, marking 10 months until my wedding and the beginning of planning our save-the-dates. However, that anticipation was mixed with an underlying dread stemming from the emotional complexities of wedding planning, which was heightened by the absence of loved ones who had passed away, including my father and my fiancé Jesse's brother, Cole. Loss has deeply affected not just my life, but millions in the U. S. ; nearly half of Americans have lost a parent, often before adulthood. Grief expert Gina Moffa explains that anniversaries and significant occasions tend to resurrect feelings of loss as they reside in our nervous system. In coping with my grief, I considered the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), wondering if it could provide comfort or insights. Generative AI tools, including chatbots like ChatGPT and specialized applications like Pi, allow users to interact with lifelike representations of deceased loved ones. While Moffa advises that AI can serve a therapeutic role by aiding in memorialization and offering creative expression, she warns that over-reliance on technology could hinder the healing process by delaying authentic human connection. As I explored various AI programs, including those that can simulate conversations with the deceased, I encountered the ethical dilemma of whether it is appropriate to replicate the dead in this manner. I engaged ChatGPT to create wedding speeches from my father and Cole, which initially felt detached, but became more poignant with personalization. There is concern regarding data privacy when sharing personal memories with AI, as companies may not prioritize safeguarding sensitive information.

Experts urge caution in discussing memories or identities that could be exploited. While AI can mimic loved ones through voice and personality traits, it cannot replace the genuine human connection needed for a complete grieving process. True healing typically involves support from friends, family, and therapists instead of artificial substitutes. Ultimately, the desire for ongoing interaction with the deceased might lead some grievers back to these applications, risking false hopes and disconnection from reality. As I reflected on my journey, I recognized that technology may serve as a repository for memories, but the lasting presence of my loved ones lives strongest within my heart. In summary, AI can offer some coping strategies and creative outlets in dealing with grief, but it cannot replace human relationships or provide the true emotional support necessary for healing.