App creators could be taking it a little too far with this one

In the article Siri Means You'll (Almost) Never Have to Die found on businessweek.com, author Ben Kunz presents the very interesting, and somewhat creepy, concept of digital immortality.

Kunz believes that the innovation of an eternity application is not too far off in the future. The technologies that would make immortal illusion possible include voice recognition—to listen to someone and respond as you would, artificial intelligence simulation—to output an infinite repertoire of responses and social media data sets—serving as a database of everything you like and how you think. In his mind, the market potential for this concept is huge and could lead to a multi-billion dollar business.

To analyze the viability of such an application, I looked to Rogers’ consumer adoption framework:

• Relative advantage:
  • This app would definitely have an advantage because it not only combines the advanced technology of voice recognition, AI, and social media data sets, but it takes this combination a step further to provide the consumer with a concept and way of life that are completely unique and new
• Compatibility:
  • the app itself would prove compatible with today’s generation of smart phones and tablets
  • However, I’m not so sure that the idea of immortality would be assimilated very easily into the average individual’s life
• Simplicity/Complexity:
  • It appears that this application would be relatively simple from a user point of view
  • As the user continues to use their smart devices in their daily lives, the device would be able to formulate their immortal persona all on its own
• Trialability:
  • Although this application is not in existence quite yet, I think the trialability could be relatively high or low dependent on costMost applications are only a click away on smart devices, however, depending on the initial cost of the application, some semi interested consumers may pass up the opportunity to see what the app is about
• Observability:
  • The merits and drawbacks of this app would be very observable by anyone connected to smart device users

In the article, Kunz states: “With this app you could call home to check on your family, joke with friends over twitter, even decide whom to elect president—all after you shuffle off this mortal coil.”

In my personal opinion, I think this is a horrible idea. There is simply no need for a person to be able to do any of the things Kunz mentioned in the quote above once they are no longer living. If I was a family member, friend, or associate of someone who passed away, leaving an immortal persona behind, I would be disgusted and creeped out at the concept of hearing from or speaking to them in any way, shape, or form. Likewise, when I pass away one day, I don't think I would really want a digital illusion representing me uncensored...Would you?