Using AI to talk to the deceased – B2 English Reading Test

B2 English Reading Test

Read a text about the use of AI technology to communicate with deceased loved ones and the concerns it raises. Then, for questions 1 to 6, complete the text with the correct sentences. There is ONE extra sentence you DO NOT need to use.

Using AI to talk to the deceased

In the age of technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has found its way into almost every aspect of our lives. One of the more controversial and emotional uses is using AI technology to recreate conversations with those who are no longer with us. 1 ___. While this idea may seem like a groundbreaking way to cope with the loss of a loved one, its complex application of technology raises significant ethical concerns and questions about its impact on the healing process of those suffering from loss.

AI-powered chatbots and virtual avatars are created using vast amounts of information collected from the deceased’s digital footprint, including social media posts, text messages, emails, and other forms of communication. 2 ___. The result is an interactive experience that can feel very real, allowing the bereaved to engage in conversations that resemble those they once had.

One of the main concerns about the use of AI to communicate with the deceased is the commercialisation of grief. Companies offering these services may take advantage of vulnerable individuals, turning a deeply personal and emotional event into a business opportunity. 3 ___. As a result, it may cause distress to the AI user instead of providing support.

4 ___. While AI technology has advanced to the point where it can replicate speech patterns and generate responses based on existing data, it cannot truly recreate a person’s thoughts and feelings. This artificial interaction may appear so real that it might prevent the user from going through the natural grieving process and impede their ability to accept their loss and eventually move on.

Perhaps the most significant ethical issue regarding the use of AI to communicate with the deceased is about respecting the privacy of those who have passed away and the potential misuse of their digital information. 5 ___. Without clear consent from the deceased, not only there is a risk of violating their privacy rights but also of using their digital information for purposes they may not have approved of during their lifetime.

For some individuals, the opportunity to converse with a digital version of a loved one can provide temporary peace and a sense of connection. It may help in expressing unresolved feelings and gaining a form of closure. The technology could offer comfort in the early stages of grief, but relying on AI too much could delay this process. 6 ___. Therefore, maintaining a digital connection might prevent individuals from fully accepting their loss.

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Page 1 of 6

1 Gap 1

A. This can make this experience seem less important and more like a product to buy and sell.

B. Some services may allow users to customise this service with specific memories or information about their departed to improve the experience.

C. This technology aims to offer comfort to their family and friends by allowing them to "communicate" with digital versions of those they have lost.

D. Grief is about accepting the situation as it is and that it cannot be changed while experiencing a range of emotions.

E. As this technology continues to evolve and be tested, it is unlikely that the deceased explicitly agreed to the use of their personal data in this manner.

F. This data is analysed and processed to build a digital version of the deceased that mimics their speech patterns, style, and personality traits.

G. Another significant concern is the risk of users becoming emotionally dependent on what they perceive as real conversations with the deceased through AI.

Page 2 of 6

2 Gap 2

A. This can make this experience seem less important and more like a product to buy and sell.

B. Some services may allow users to customise this service with specific memories or information about their departed to improve the experience.

C. This technology aims to offer comfort to their family and friends by allowing them to "communicate" with digital versions of those they have lost.

D. Grief is about accepting the situation as it is and that it cannot be changed while experiencing a range of emotions.

E. As this technology continues to evolve and be tested, it is unlikely that the deceased explicitly agreed to the use of their personal data in this manner.

F. This data is analysed and processed to build a digital version of the deceased that mimics their speech patterns, style, and personality traits.

G. Another significant concern is the risk of users becoming emotionally dependent on what they perceive as real conversations with the deceased through AI.

Page 3 of 6

3 Gap 3

A. This can make this experience seem less important and more like a product to buy and sell.

B. Some services may allow users to customise this service with specific memories or information about their departed to improve the experience.

C. This technology aims to offer comfort to their family and friends by allowing them to "communicate" with digital versions of those they have lost.

D. Grief is about accepting the situation as it is and that it cannot be changed while experiencing a range of emotions.

E. As this technology continues to evolve and be tested, it is unlikely that the deceased explicitly agreed to the use of their personal data in this manner.

F. This data is analysed and processed to build a digital version of the deceased that mimics their speech patterns, style, and personality traits.

G. Another significant concern is the risk of users becoming emotionally dependent on what they perceive as real conversations with the deceased through AI.

Page 4 of 6

4 Gap 4

A. This can make this experience seem less important and more like a product to buy and sell.

B. Some services may allow users to customise this service with specific memories or information about their departed to improve the experience.

C. This technology aims to offer comfort to their family and friends by allowing them to "communicate" with digital versions of those they have lost.

D. Grief is about accepting the situation as it is and that it cannot be changed while experiencing a range of emotions.

E. As this technology continues to evolve and be tested, it is unlikely that the deceased explicitly agreed to the use of their personal data in this manner.

F. This data is analysed and processed to build a digital version of the deceased that mimics their speech patterns, style, and personality traits.

G. Another significant concern is the risk of users becoming emotionally dependent on what they perceive as real conversations with the deceased through AI.

Page 5 of 6

5 Gap 5

A. This can make this experience seem less important and more like a product to buy and sell.

B. Some services may allow users to customise this service with specific memories or information about their departed to improve the experience.

C. This technology aims to offer comfort to their family and friends by allowing them to "communicate" with digital versions of those they have lost.

D. Grief is about accepting the situation as it is and that it cannot be changed while experiencing a range of emotions.

E. As this technology continues to evolve and be tested, it is unlikely that the deceased explicitly agreed to the use of their personal data in this manner.

F. This data is analysed and processed to build a digital version of the deceased that mimics their speech patterns, style, and personality traits.

G. Another significant concern is the risk of users becoming emotionally dependent on what they perceive as real conversations with the deceased through AI.

Page 6 of 6

6 Gap 6

A. This can make this experience seem less important and more like a product to buy and sell.

B. Some services may allow users to customise this service with specific memories or information about their departed to improve the experience.

C. This technology aims to offer comfort to their family and friends by allowing them to "communicate" with digital versions of those they have lost.

D. Grief is about accepting the situation as it is and that it cannot be changed while experiencing a range of emotions.

E. As this technology continues to evolve and be tested, it is unlikely that the deceased explicitly agreed to the use of their personal data in this manner.

F. This data is analysed and processed to build a digital version of the deceased that mimics their speech patterns, style, and personality traits.

G. Another significant concern is the risk of users becoming emotionally dependent on what they perceive as real conversations with the deceased through AI.

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