The use of AI to 'resurrect' lost loved ones in Russia is a fascinating yet controversial phenomenon. It raises important questions about the nature of grief, the role of technology in mourning, and the ethical boundaries of AI-generated content. While some find solace in these digital creations, others view them as a distasteful cash grab, exploiting the pain of the bereaved. This article delves into the complex emotions and ethical dilemmas surrounding this practice, exploring the personal stories of those involved and the broader implications for society.
A Digital Afterlife
In the midst of Russia's war in Ukraine, a unique form of digital mourning has emerged. AI-generated videos and photos, often featuring soldiers who have disappeared at the front, have gained popularity on social media. These clips, sometimes posted by relatives themselves, portray the soldiers as heroes, returning home to their families. However, the reality is stark: tens of thousands of Russian soldiers have been killed in the conflict, and their fates remain unknown.
The practice of creating 'deadbots' and deepfakes of fallen soldiers is a complex and ethically challenging issue. Researchers like Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska warn that the long-term psychological and social impact of this technology on grieving processes is yet to be fully understood. The line between providing comfort and exploiting grief is a fine one, and the reactions online to these clips are sharply divided.
Personal Stories
Anna Korableva, from Kamensk-Uralsky, started making AI-generated 'farewell videos' in May 2025, aiming to help people cope with 'unfinished farewells'. She describes the emotional toll of creating these videos, crying almost every day in the early months. Over time, she learned to separate her emotions from the technical process, focusing on making the videos beautiful and worthy of someone's memory.
The requests for these videos often come from families of soldiers killed in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion in 2022. The BBC, along with Mediazona and volunteers, has verified the deaths of at least 225,000 Russian soldiers, but the real death toll is believed to be much higher. The videos typically show soldiers embracing their loved ones, walking up a staircase into a blue sky, or appearing as 'ghosts' from heaven.
Ethical and Psychological Dilemmas
The ethical implications of these AI-generated videos are significant. They often portray soldiers as defenders and angels, which can be deeply problematic in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Katarzyna Nowaczyk-Basińska argues that such videos are part of a broader 'digital afterlife' industry, and their popularity during wartime is unsurprising. However, the political context makes these videos ethically questionable, and the psychological impact on those grieving is unclear.
Some individuals who commissioned AI videos featuring deceased loved ones reported that the clips did little to ease their pain. One woman stated that technology could not help her accept the loss of her son, as it was an illusion. However, others found some sense of connection, even if it was a virtual one, with one Russian woman expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be with her husband's 'farewell video'.
Profits and Controversies
The production of these AI-generated military-themed videos is a lucrative business. Prices range from 200 roubles to 10,000 roubles, with some creators earning substantial monthly profits. Ulyana Lebed, married to a Russian serviceman, earns between 150-200,000 roubles a month, a significant amount in Russia. However, this practice has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as a cash grab, exploiting the grief of the bereaved.
A Complex Emotional Journey
The use of AI to 'resurrect' lost loved ones is a complex emotional journey, blending hope, grief, and ethical dilemmas. While some find solace and connection, others view it as a distasteful exploitation of pain. As AI technology advances, society must grapple with the questions it raises about mourning, memory, and the boundaries of technology in our lives.
