Former Disney star Calum Worthy has launched a controversial AI app called 2wai, which allows users to create digital avatars of their deceased loved ones. The app’s promotional video, released on the social media platform X, has drawn comparisons to the dystopian themes of the television series Black Mirror, particularly its second season premiere, which explores similar ideas of digital reincarnation.
The promotional video begins with a poignant scene featuring a pregnant woman speaking to her mother via smartphone. As the narrative progresses, the viewer sees her child, named Charlie, interact with his grandmother through the app at various stages of his life, culminating in a moment where an adult Charlie converses with his grandmother as he prepares to become a parent himself. The video ends with the tagline “With 2wai, three minutes can last forever,” emphasizing the app’s goal of preserving memories through technology.
Reactions to the video have been overwhelmingly negative. Many users have expressed their discomfort with the concept, branding the feature as “diabolical” and “psychotic.” Critics have highlighted the ethical implications of creating digital representations of deceased individuals, arguing that just because technology allows it, does not mean it should be pursued.
In response to the backlash, Worthy defended the app, stating, “At 2wai, we’re building a living archive of humanity, one story at a time.” He emphasized the app’s intention to create a social network for avatars, suggesting that it could serve as a means for people to maintain connections with those they have lost.
The comparison to Black Mirror has resonated with many social media users, who recall the show’s first episode of Season 2, where a woman uses technology to resurrect her deceased boyfriend. This unsettling parallel raises questions about the psychological effects of engaging with digital representations of loved ones and the potential consequences of such technology.
As discussions around 2wai continue, it remains to be seen how the app will evolve and how users will navigate the ethical landscape it presents. The launch of this app could signal a shift in how technology intersects with human relationships, prompting deeper conversations about memory, loss, and the role of artificial intelligence in our lives.
