Calum Worthy, famed for his role as Dez Wade in Disney’s Austin & Ally, has unveiled a new artificial intelligence application called 2wai. The app allows users to create digital avatars of deceased loved ones, leading to significant controversy over its implications. Reactions to the promotional video, released on February 5, 2024, have drawn comparisons to an episode from the dystopian series Black Mirror, igniting a heated debate about the ethical ramifications of such technology.
The promotional video introduces 2wai’s key feature, where users can record videos of their loved ones, which are then transformed into interactive avatars. In the video, a pregnant woman converses with her late mother, showcasing how the app facilitates ongoing connections, even after loss. The narrative follows the woman and her son, Charlie, illustrating his interactions with his grandmother through various stages of his life, culminating in a scene where an adult Charlie prepares to welcome his own child.
In an immediate response, many users took to social media to voice their concerns. Comments included terms like “diabolical” and “psychotic,” with several users explicitly comparing the situation to the Black Mirror episode titled “Be Right Back,” where a woman creates a digital clone of her deceased partner. One commentator particularly emphasized the ethical dilemma, stating, “Horrific. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”
Worthy, who co-founded 2wai, attempted to address the backlash by describing the app as a “living archive of humanity, one story at a time.” He framed 2wai as a social network for avatars, aimed at preserving memories in a digital format. His vision reflects a growing trend in technology where emotional connections are intertwined with advanced digital capabilities.
The idea of using AI to recreate deceased individuals raises profound questions about memory, grief, and the nature of human relationships. While some users express intrigue and excitement about the potential to maintain connections with lost loved ones, many others argue that the app could detract from the natural grieving process.
As technology continues to evolve, the debate surrounding 2wai underscores the challenges of balancing innovation with ethical considerations. The implications of creating digital avatars of the deceased could lead to broader discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in personal relationships, memory, and mortality.
While Worthy remains optimistic about the app’s potential, the mixed reactions highlight a significant divide among users regarding the appropriateness of such technology. As conversations surrounding 2wai develop, it is clear that this innovative application is prompting a much-needed dialogue on the intersection of technology and human emotion.
