Kitboga, one of the most famous scammer baiters on YouTube, hopped on Kim Komando Today and shared with us some of his favorite memories tricking scammers.
Life after death: AI chatbots bringing lost loved ones back
© Dzmitry Ryzhykau | Dreamstime.com
For me, the holidays are when I miss my parents, grandparents and loved ones who’ve passed away the most. But maybe we can still keep our lost family and friends with us in a different way.
You see, there’s been an upsurge in people tapping into AI to create virtual versions of their loved ones. I wanted to get a deeper look, and now you can, too.
We are so back
Founded in 2017 (ancient history in tech time), StoryFile offers a couple of options to immortalize loved ones while they’re still on Earth.
At the basic level, a laptop and webcam capture their image and likeness in an interview-style fashion — by an actual historian, for an extra fee. StoryFile’s AI uses the material to create a digital persona. Today, over 5,000 people have created profiles.
Loved ones can ask the persona a question, then the system sifts through corresponding interview clips to find an intuitive response. Just imagine a loved one you’d love to chat with again.
Another company, HereAfter AI, came along in 2019 and added another element: Interactive videos where subjects make eye contact, breathe and blink as they respond to questions. It’s super lifelike … but also surreal.
Legends live on
You might be thinking, “So, who’s doing this?” The answer: Folks from all walks of life.
Lynne Nieto, founder of Life Fitness, created a StoryFile before her husband passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease. She did it mainly for their grandchildren. She watched the file for the first time about six months after he died. Lynne says it was a little hard to view, and it felt a bit raw.
I’m not surprised to hear that. I don’t know how I’d feel about seeing my mom or dad again, but I’m pretty sure it’d be overwhelming.
StoryFile interviewed actor Ed Asner eight weeks before he died in 2021. They sent Ed’s StoryFile to his son, Matt, who couldn’t believe his eyes. He says it was like his dad was looking right at him, answering his questions.
Father takes on website after son's tragic death
This episode discusses suicide. If you’re struggling, reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You’re not alone.
Last year, Brett Allred’s world shattered when his 23-year-old son, Riley, took his own life. While searching Riley’s phone for memories, Brett found screenshots of a website with step-by-step instructions on how to die. Now, he’s on a mission to shut it down.
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Do you have memories of snapping together Lego bricks to make something special? Most of us think fondly of those plastic pieces. (Unless, of course, you stepped on one.) While the company has a wholesome image, it hasn’t always been that way. The real history of Legos is a lot darker than most people realize.
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December 9th, 2023
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