A New Era of Virtual Immortality: Connecting with the Departed Through Technology

by Annabelle Stephenson
in *AR, *CH, *DE, *ES, *FR, *IT, *JP, *KO, *RU, *TR, *UA, News, xBG, xDA, xEL, xET, xFA, xFI, xHR, xHU, xLT, xLV, xNL, xNN, xRS, xSI, xSK, xSV
on 7 April 2024

Nowa technologia pozwoli kontaktować się z zmarłymi dzięki wirtualnej rzeczywistości

In a groundbreaking development, a new virtual reality tool is allowing families and friends to stay connected with their departed loved ones using digital avatars. This innovative technology aims to immortalize individuals by replicating their voices, mannerisms, and movements in a digital form, providing a unique way for future generations to interact with the avatars and cherish memories of their deceased loved ones.

The mastermind behind this venture is Artur Sychov, a tech entrepreneur who was inspired to create the “Eternal Life Mode” tool after learning about his father’s illness and realizing the potential loss of precious moments with him. Sychov envisions this tool as a means for future generations to engage with the avatars, preserving memories and strengthening emotional bonds with those who have passed on.

While Sychov is optimistic about the potential of this technology to foster continued connections, not everyone shares his enthusiasm. Cybernetic psychologist and author, Elaine Kasket, has expressed concerns about the exploitation of existential fears for commercial purposes, cautioning about the potential impact on individuals’ perceptions of mortality and the afterlife.

Currently undergoing testing at the headquarters of Sychov’s company, Somnium Space, the “Eternal Life Mode” is part of a larger 3D metaverse platform that has garnered over 300,000 downloads since its inception in 2017. With daily active users ranging from 50 to 250, the platform enables individuals to exist as avatars in a virtual world, engaging in various activities such as gaming, art creation, and commerce. Sychov himself is an avid user of the technology, often assuming the persona of a blue robot within the virtual realm.

One user, known by the pseudonym UltraLord from Budapest, Hungary, shared his excitement about the prospect of digital immortality through avatars, emphasizing the desire for one’s legacy to endure across generations. He expressed enthusiasm about the ability to create a digital representation of himself for future generations to interact with, fostering a deeper understanding of his identity and promoting a stronger sense of self.

FAQs

What is a digital avatar?
A digital avatar is a graphical representation of a user or a user’s alter ego in the digital realm. It can be customized to reflect various characteristics and traits of the individual it represents.

What is a 3D metaverse platform?
A 3D metaverse platform is a virtual environment where users can interact with each other and the digital space in three dimensions. These platforms often offer a range of activities and experiences, from socializing to gaming to creative pursuits.

How does the “Eternal Life Mode” tool work?
The “Eternal Life Mode” tool creates digital avatars of deceased individuals by capturing and replicating their voices, mannerisms, and movements after a short observation period. These avatars serve as a means for living individuals to maintain connections with their departed loved ones in the virtual realm.

Sources:
– Somnium Space
– BBC Article

The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt