Session
The Youth Council of the Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ
Andrey Aleinikov, Civil Society, Eastern Europe, [email protected]
Matilda Moses Mashauri University student at University of Dar es salaam Youth Tanzania, Dar es salaam (East Africa)
Jasmine Ko, DotAsia, Technical Community, East Asia
Aaron Promise Mbah, Tlit Innovation Lab, Private Sector, Africa , [email protected]
Matilda Moses Mashauri University student at University of Dar es salaam Youth Tanzania, Dar es salaam (East Africa) [email protected]
Anastasiia Saveleva, Academy, Eastern Europe, [email protected]
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
16.9
16.b
Targets: 16. The active influence of new technologies on all spheres of human life requires the creation of effective human rights mechanisms and institutions. 16.9 By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration 16b. Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development
Interactive, open-seating
What is a digital twin? What forms can it take and for what purposes does it serve? Are we talking about a doppelganger as a special form of self-representation in the digital space or as a way of interacting with someone with whom it is impossible to do so in the real world? - Digital footprints: what are they, why and how do we leave them, where are they used now and what are the potential scenarios for future use? - Digitization of personality/consciousness: what are our limitations in technology, case studies (text bots, visuals in VR, etc.) - Ethics of interacting with digital doppelgangers. Psychological, social and legal issues. Handling, storage and use of digital doppelganger data. - Various practices for handling accounts/digital objects of deceased people.
Organizers of the networking session will conduct a pre-event tech check with all online participants to test their internet connection, audio, and video quality. Any possible connectivity issues will be detected in advance to ensure a seamless experience during the session. In terms of representation during the session both onsite and online moderators will work to ensure that online and offline participants and speakers are equally represented and have the same opportunities to speak, ask questions and intervene. Session will also incorporate instant feedback collection from the audience as for discussion to be naturally navigated. All participants, including online, will be able to provide instant feedback during the discussion using various online tools (i.e. Mentimeter or Kahoot!). On every onsite question there will be given word to online participants providing them with an opportunity to present their view or ask a question.
Report
The concept of digital doppelgangers, often referred to as digital twins, is transforming how we think about identity, interaction, and even mortality in the digital age. These virtual entities are created using advanced data-driven technologies and can range from representations of real individuals to entirely fabricated personas. They can serve various purposes, including self-representation in digital spaces and facilitating interactions with individuals who are otherwise unavailable in real life.
This session examines the possibilities and challenges posed by digital doppelgangers, focusing on their ethical, psychological, and societal implications.
1. Digital Ghosts and the Evolution of Grief
The idea of preserving and interacting with a digital version of a deceased loved one introduces a new dimension to how society experiences and processes grief. While these digital ghosts may provide comfort or act as therapeutic tools, they also bring complex challenges. Key concerns include whether such interactions could hinder the grieving process or even redefine our understanding of death and loss. By allowing individuals to preserve the likeness, knowledge, and personality of a deceased person, these technologies challenge traditional notions of what it means for someone to be “gone.”
2. Societal and Psychological Implications
Grief is a deeply personal and culturally influenced process, yet digital doppelgangers could reshape mourning rituals. Across different cultures, traditional practices often help people move through stages of grief, from denial to acceptance. However, constant interaction with a digital version of a loved one might complicate this journey. There are also risks of manipulation and misrepresentation, as digital doppelgangers might fail to fully or accurately reflect the values, beliefs, and essence of the original person.
3. Technological Advancements and Accessibility
Recent technological advancements have made it easier than ever to create digital doppelgangers. Tools that were once confined to research labs are now becoming more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly. However, this democratization of technology introduces new risks, including misuse for unethical purposes. For instance, digital likenesses could be exploited for financial fraud, identity theft, or spreading misinformation.
1. Identity and Privacy
One of the primary challenges surrounding digital doppelgangers is the question of consent and ownership. Who owns a person’s digital likeness? What happens if it is used without authorization? The lack of clear legal protections opens the door to disputes and potential misuse. Unauthorized creation and manipulation of digital doppelgangers can lead to reputational damage and privacy violations.
2. Manipulation and Exploitation
Digital doppelgangers can be weaponized in vulnerable contexts. For example, they might be used to fabricate scenarios for extortion or impersonate trusted individuals to manipulate decisions. Additionally, behavioral data gathered from users could be exploited for targeted advertising or even misinformation campaigns, further blurring ethical boundaries.
3. Ethical Considerations in Representation
Developing digital doppelgangers raises critical questions about authenticity and responsibility. Does the digital twin accurately reflect the person it represents, or does it distort their values, beliefs, and personality? Such distortions could result in psychological harm, particularly in cases where digital doppelgangers are used to substitute incapacitated individuals or represent deceased loved ones.
Digital doppelgangers represent a profound technological and cultural shift, offering new opportunities for interaction and memory preservation while introducing significant risks and ethical challenges. The rapid evolution of these technologies demands careful reflection on their implications for identity, grief, and societal norms. Addressing these concerns will require a nuanced understanding of the balance between innovation and the safeguarding of human values.