THE PHENOMENON OF GRIEF CHATBOTS IN SERBIA: CULTURAL CHALLENGES OF DIGITAL REPLICAS OF THE DECEASED

Abstract

The development of generative artificial intelligence has paved the way for the emergence of "grief bots," which are digital replicas of deceased individuals. These bots utilize sophisticated simulations of voice, communication style, and content, thereby facilitating virtual interaction with individuals who have passed away. While this phenomenon is technologically innovative, it gives rise to complex questions in the domains of ethics and cultural acceptability. In Serbia, where the remembrance and respect for the deceased are deeply rooted in customs and traditions, the emergence of grief bots is of particular significance. On the one hand, these bots have the potential to preserve family heritage and oral history. On the other hand, they run the risk of violating the dignity of the deceased and prolonging the grieving process. This paper analyzes the possibilities of applying grief bots, as well as the ethical, legal, and cultural implications in the context of Serbian tradition and contemporary social changes. The objective of the present study is twofold: first, to ascertain the extent to which such technology can contribute to the preservation of family and cultural heritage, and second, to identify potential risks to the dignity of the deceased and the emotional well-being of users and the legal implications surrounding the use of digital replicas. The aim of this paper is to examine the ethical, legal, and cultural dimensions of the emergence of grief bots, with a particular focus on their acceptability and applicability in Serbia.