A deeply emotional yet controversial use of artificial intelligence (AI) has come to light in China. The family created a digital version of the dead man to comfort his elderly mother.
The incident, originally reported by Litchi News, involves a family from Shandong province. After the man died in a car accident last year, his family decided not to inform his mother.
The mother is 80 years old and suffers from heart disease. Fearing that the shock might damage her health, they turned to the AI team led by Zhang Zewei.
Using photographs, videos and voice recordings, the team created a highly realistic digital twin of the deceased man. The AI version not only looks like him, but also copies his speaking style and little habits. He even leans forward when talking, just like he used to.
This virtual “son” now regularly talks to his elderly mother via video calls. Their conversations feel natural and emotional.
His mother often reminds him to eat properly, stay warm and be careful when traveling. The AI responds in a similar tone. He says he is working in another city and will come back once he earns enough money.
“You should call me more often to know if you are living well or not in another city. I miss you so much. I am so sorry that I cannot see you in person,” the South China Morning Post quoted the mother as saying in one interview.
“Okay, Mom. But I’m too busy. I can’t talk to you for long. Take care of yourself. When I earn enough money, I’ll come home to pay you my filial piety,” replied the ‘son’.
The mother has not yet been told about her son’s death. The family believes this “gentle lie” helps her cope with loneliness and emotional pain.
Zhang, who has been offering such AI services for three years, describes his work as a way to make life more pleasant. He even jokes that he’s “tricking people’s emotions” for a good cause.
Reaction on social networks
The story drew strong reactions online. Some users called it touch and saw it as a meaningful use of technology.
Others said it raised serious ethical questions. Critics argued that hiding the truth for so long could cause more damage if the mother eventually found out.
“What an important invention. I would like to resurrect my father,” said a social media user.
“I am not siding with this family. The mother has been lied to for a long time. I fear that once the truth comes out, it will cause more damage to her,” another user wrote.
