The business of never letting go

The business of never letting go

From Crosscurrents by KALW

May 6, 2026 · 17 min

About this episode

The episode explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way we grieve and connect with deceased loved ones through digital means.

Artificial intelligence is not just changing how we get our information, but also in some cases, how we emotionally process a major life event, like death. When loved ones die we find ways to hold on — through photos, stories, and keepsakes. Now, things like AI memorial platforms and companion chatbots offer digitized connection with the dead. But with these technologies becoming more common, what are the benefits, and costs, of grieving with a chatbot? KALW’s Artificial Intelligence reporter NeEddra James brings us the story.

People in this episode

Host: NeEddra James

Topics covered

  • artificial intelligence
  • grief
  • memorial platforms
  • emotional processing
  • technology and death

Keywords

  • AI
  • chatbots
  • grieving
  • memorials
  • emotional connection

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