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AI And The Future Of Death
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
Artificial intelligence is changing the way people think about death and how we remember those who have passed, as reported in a new research analysis by The Conversation .
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- AI technology creates digital versions of the deceased, allowing posthumous interactions.
- Digital afterlife raises legal concerns about ownership and responsibility over online accounts.
- Digital grieving could complicate emotional closure by keeping memories too accessible.
The Conversation notes how AI is playing a role in how we manage our digital legacy. Companies like Apple , Google , and Meta have tools that give a trusted person access to your online accounts after death.
Microsoft has even patented a system that uses digital data – from emails to social media posts – to create a chatbot that mimics the deceased’s communication style, as previously reported by The Washington Post . This technology gives people a way to interact with a virtual version of their deceased loved ones.
The Conversation reports that following this trend, media companies in South Korea created a documentary called “Meeting You,” which reunited a mother with her deceased daughter through virtual reality.
Using advanced digital imaging and voice technology, the mother could see and talk to a VR avatar of her daughter, as previously reported by The Korea Times .
However, The Conversation notes that the rise of digital immortality raises important questions about the ownership and responsibility of one’s virtual persona. For instance, it asks who has control over your digital presence after death.
In the U.S., many states have passed laws allowing people to include digital accounts in their wills. In Germany, courts ruled that a deceased person’s social media accounts should be treated like property, granting their family access, reports The Conversation.
But issues remain. For example, what if an AI version of you says or does something you would never have? Who is responsible when an AI misrepresents a person?
Additionally, The Conversation notes that creating AI versions of people can be expensive, often costing thousands of dollars. This creates a situation where only the wealthy can afford to live on digitally, raising concerns about new forms of inequality.
While some people find comfort in maintaining a connection to the deceased, psychologists warn that interacting with digital versions of loved ones could make it harder to move on and accept their loss, as reported by The Conversation.
As AI technology advances, this new form of grieving may complicate how people cope with death.
Image by Viktor Krč, from Unsplash
Reskilling Essential As 39% Of Skills Set To Become Obsolete By 2030
- Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
- Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor
The global labor market is bracing for dramatic changes by 2030 as technological advancements, economic pressures, demographic shifts, and climate adaptation drive transformations.
In a Rush? Here are the Quick Facts!
- 60% of employers expect digital access to transform business by 2030.
- AI and information processing lead technological trends, with 86% of employer support.
- AI-driven roles like machine learning experts are growing, while clerical jobs are declining sharply.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) published on Wednesday The Future of Jobs Report 2025 , compiled from the perspectives of over 1,000 global employers representing 14 million workers across 22 industries, highlights critical trends shaping the future of work.
Broadening digital access is expected to be the most transformative trend in the global job market, with 60% of employers predicting it will reshape their businesses by 2030.
Key technologies driving change include AI and information processing, highlighted by 86% of employers, followed by robotics and automation (58%) and energy generation and storage (41%).
These advancements are fueling rapid growth in technology-related jobs, such as AI specialists, machine learning experts, big data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals. However, roles like cashiers, ticket clerks, and administrative assistants are set to decline sharply as automation takes over repetitive tasks.
WEF also highlights the economic pressures reshaping the workforce. Rising living costs rank as the second-most impactful trend, with half of employers expecting significant changes to their operations.
Furthermore, AI and tech innovations are not only transforming jobs but also reshaping the skills needed to succeed.
By 2030, 39% of workers’ skills are predicted to become obsolete. Analytical thinking remains the most sought-after skill, valued by 70% of employers, alongside AI and big data proficiency, networks and cybersecurity knowledge, and adaptability.
Reskilling will be crucial, as 59% of the workforce will need new training. Of this group, 29% can upskill in their current roles, and 19% can transition to new positions, while 11% risk job loss due to skill gaps.
The report suggests that generative AI’s main impact on jobs will be in “augmenting” human skills through collaboration, rather than replacing them.
However, the BBC noted how some workers have already been replaced by AI. Companies like Dropbox and Duolingo have cited AI as a reason for recent layoffs.
Finally, the WEF notes how geopolitical tensions and geoeconomic fragmentation are also impacting the job market. Trade restrictions and reshoring strategies affect 34% of businesses, driving demand for cybersecurity roles and human-centered skills like leadership and resilience.
