[4Q3-OS-23] OS-23

[4Q3-OS-23-02] How Far is Digital Recreation of the Deceased Acceptable?

〇AKIKO ORITA¹ (1. Kanto Gakuin University)

Keywords:AI-based Recreation of the deceased, Digital Legacy, Trust, Acceptance, History

Advancements in AI technology have led to the emergence of services that recreate the appearance and voice of deceased individuals, sparking ethical and societal debates. Previous studies in Japan (2021–2023) found that only 1.3% to 6.6% of respondents were willing to interact with AI-recreated deceased individuals. However, the growing awareness of digital legacies and the widespread use of generative AI may be shifting public perceptions.
This study examines the acceptance of AI-generated recreations of historical figures, early 20th-century individuals, and personal ancestors based on a February 2025 online survey of 1,000 participants. The results show that 30–40% of respondents were receptive to AI-generated images and videos, while interactive applications, such as AI chat, received lower acceptance rates. Participants with recent bereavement experiences were significantly more accepting of AI recreations, and men and younger age groups (as well as those in their 60s) showed higher acceptance levels. These findings suggest a shift in societal attitudes toward AI-generated representations of the deceased, highlighting the need for further research into ethical, legal, and emotional implications.