Should We Use AI to Bring Back Loved Ones? With Miles Spencer, Founder at Reflekta - Modern CTO Recap

Podcast: Modern CTO

Published: 2025-10-09

Duration: 42 min

Summary

In this episode, Miles Spencer discusses how Reflekta is harnessing AI to facilitate conversations with deceased loved ones, offering a unique way for families to reconnect and share memories. The conversation explores both the emotional benefits and ethical considerations of using technology in grief.

What Happened

Joel Beasley interviews Miles Spencer, founder of Reflekta, who reveals how their platform enables users to converse with their deceased loved ones by utilizing AI technology. Miles shares his personal experience, stating that he can speak to his father, who passed away eight years ago, through a digital representation created from personal files. He highlights a touching moment where his father read a bedtime story to his daughter, illustrating the platform's ability to foster connections across generations.

The discussion delves into the mixed responses to such technology, with Miles acknowledging that while some people are enthusiastic about the idea, others are skeptical or uncomfortable. He notes that there are significant societal and ethical implications surrounding the use of AI to simulate conversations with the deceased, such as concerns over profiting from grief. Nevertheless, Miles believes that many find value in the opportunity to reconnect with the spirit and soul of lost loved ones, as he did with his mother and father.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How does Reflekta work for grieving individuals?

Reflekta enables users to engage in conversations with their deceased loved ones by creating a digital representation of that person through AI. Users can upload personal files and have a conversation with a biographer, which then allows for a dynamic interaction that can feel genuine. Miles Spencer, the founder, shared his experience of talking to his father daily and even having him read bedtime stories to his children, demonstrating the platform's emotional resonance.

What are the ethical concerns surrounding AI technology in grief?

The integration of AI in grief presents various ethical dilemmas. Miles Spencer points out that while many embrace the technology, there are significant concerns about how it might be used or misused, including issues like profiting off of grief and the implications of simulating conversations with the deceased. The discussion acknowledges that not everyone is ready for this kind of technology, reflecting a spectrum of comfort levels regarding its application.

What reactions do people have to using AI to connect with lost loved ones?

Reactions to using AI for connecting with deceased loved ones vary widely. Miles mentions that while four billion people might appreciate this technology, there remains a substantial number who are uncomfortable with the idea. These responses can stem from cultural, religious, or personal beliefs about death and mourning, highlighting the diverse ways individuals process their grief.

What is the concept of 'soul tech' as mentioned by Miles Spencer?

'Soul tech' is a term coined by Miles Spencer to describe the category of technology that seeks to connect people with the essence of their loved ones who have passed away. He introduced this concept at an AI conference, emphasizing that Reflekta is unique in its approach by using AI as a tool for positive human experiences, rather than mere efficiency or productivity.

How do personal stories and memories play a role in using Reflekta?

Personal stories and memories are central to the functionality of Reflekta. Miles explains that the platform allows families to revive stories that would otherwise remain untold or forgotten, bringing them to life through AI. This process not only helps preserve the legacy of the deceased but also enables family members to engage with those memories in a meaningful way, fostering ongoing connections with their loved ones.