Resurrecting Memories: The Ethics of AI Afterlife Technology

Consumer $ense Team • June 24, 2024


Resurrecting Memories: The Ethics of AI Afterlife Technology


A few months ago, my family experienced a painful loss, and during that time I started noticing a trend

on Instagram Reels where people were using AI to "bring back" their deceased relatives. Seeing

these videos while I was grieving made me wonder whether this technology was comforting or

unsettling. That moment sparked my curiosity and led me to research the ethics and emotional effects

of AI resurrection, a project, The Right to Remain Digital: Ethics, AI and the Deceased, I later

presented at the Grefenstette Center's sixth annual Tech Ethics Symposium, at Duquesne University.

What I found is that entire companies now offer paid services to recreate someone after they die.

Tools like ProyectDecember, HereAfter AI, and Deepbrain AI can simulate conversations or generate

lifelike avatars based on photos, voice clips, or text histories. Some people online find these AI

versions healing, but public reactions are split. In my analysis, 32 percent of users expressed ethical

concerns, while others worried about authenticity or emotional risk. And those risks are real, studies

showed that people who maintain digital interactions with a deceased loved one have higher rates of

intrusive grief, reduced emotional closure, and up to 27 to 33 percent slower healing.


Beyond the emotional concerns, this topic raises major ethical questions. Most privacy laws do not

protect a person's data after death, meaning their voice or likeness could be used without their

consent. This made me reflect on my own life too. I'm not sure I would want someone to digitally

recreate me when I'm gone, because memories should remain genuine, shaped by real experiences

rather than algorithms. As AI advances, we need to decide whether these tools truly honor those

we've lost or whether they risk replacing authentic remembrance with artificial versions of the people

we loved.

Honest Product Review: Revisiting the Mr. Iced Coffee Machine After 3 Years

By Olivia Miller & Consumer $ense Team • June 24, 2024
Back in 2021, one of America’s most popular coffee maker brands, Mr. Coffee, released the Mr. Iced Coffee machine that promised coffee fanatics an inexpensive and space-saving way to brew strong, cold and flavorful iced coffee. The product, and the reusable clear plastic tumbler it came with, was an immediate hit and stores were selling out of the machine for months on end. That year, it attracted the attention of Consumer $ense contributor and avid coffee drinker, Lexi. Once she got her hands on the marvel, she wrote a glowing review about it, praising it for speed, affordability and truth in advertising. Fast forward to 2024, when a clear plastic tumbler is no longer considered trendy or stylish and big coffee chains’ utilization of mobile ordering apps and rewards programs rivals the convenience of brewing coffee at home, how does the Mr. Iced Coffee Machine stack up? I decided to find out for myself. I picked up the machine at my local Ollie’s at the end of 2023 for $10. After using it for a few months, I can confidently rank it on size, speed, and taste. Size (10/10) As a college student in a dorm with a small kitchen, focusing on the size of appliances is something that is very important to me. Even as I look toward graduation and moving into a mid-sized apartment, I value appliances that will fit into my life and kitchen counter space. The Mr. Iced Coffee machine does just this. Standing at just 13 inches tall, 8 inches long and 6 inches wide, the machine has the ability to fit in even the smallest spaces. It is made of lightweight plastic, which makes for extra easy transportation. The size of this machine cannot even compare to any Keurig brand machine. Most Keurig machines have a massive water reservoir attached to them; even the smaller machines have a reservoir attached to the back that lengthens them. This also makes them heavy, difficult to transport and the stagnant water in the reservoir makes it a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Further, Keurig brand machines require more kitchen or pantry storage to store the cumbersome plastic pods needed to operate the machine. The Mr. Iced Coffee machine uses ground coffee and has a reusable filter, saving on both kitchen and pantry space. Speed (10/10) It’s safe to say that all of us value efficiency. More often than not, that is likely why the Starbucks or Dunkin drive thrus are so appealing as we drive on the way to work or school. But, the whole process of brewing iced coffee with the Mr. Iced Coffee machine takes under 10 minutes, which is basically equivalent to the time it takes to order, pay and wait for iced coffee at a coffee shop. The majority of the time is spent readying the machine: filling up the single serve water reservoir, putting the components of the machine together and filling your cup with ice. The actual brewing process of the coffee takes less than 5 minutes. Cleanup after brewing your cup of coffee probably takes about as long as it takes to make it. All that you need to do is hand-wash your tumbler, the filter basket and the detachable spout component. Every 3 months or so, it is recommended to clean out the whole machine by running white vinegar through the brewing process then running it with clean water before resuming making coffee. Taste (7/10) The main reason I rated the machine so high for taste is because it is completely customizable to the maker’s taste. You have total control over the strength of the coffee by adding more or less coffee to the filter. If you are like me and do not like to drink super strong and acidic coffee, you can add less coffee without experiencing heartburn or discomfort. The Mr. Iced Coffee machine comes with a book of recipes to try using different Torani syrups and creamers. This is super useful for inspiration if you are looking to try something new. However, there are some drawbacks to this. Because you have so much control over the strength and taste of your brew, it will give you a different tasting cup of coffee every time you make it. This can be good or bad; but I will say that I have not found the magic ratio of coffee grounds, ice, sugar and creamer to suit my fancy.

2024 Beach Must-Haves

By Consumer $ense Team • June 24, 2024
Beach Essentials It’s that time of the year! The sun is shining brighter, the days are getting longer, and adventure is beaconing. It’s spring break time. From swimsuits to sunscreen, make sure you’re prepared to soak up the sun in style. Read more to learn about the must-haves for break, such as coverups, swimwear, and casual going out clothes so you can feel and look good on your memorable, stress-free vacation. Where to shop Whether you’re trying to save money or go all out this break, here are some of the top stores to find your must-have for spring break: Target : known for its wide selection of clothing, swimwear, and accessories, you will be sure to find affordable and trendy outfits just for you. Hollister : this California-inspired company is perfect for spring breakers. With their swimwear, coverups, and beach-ready clothing, you’ll be able to find the perfect options for a nice day of lounging in the sand or grabbing a bite to eat. Shopping local: it is wise to explore the local shops to see what cute and unique clothes and items are in stock for spring break. One small business example is European Summer . From neutral everyday tanks to the hottest bikinis, you will be able to find everything you’re looking for—and it won’t be worn by every single person on the same beach. Urban Outfitters : known for its eclectic and trendy clothing selection, Urban carries unique and fashionable beachwear items such as swimwear, beach dresses, and statement accessories. Entertainment and Relaxation Now that you look the part, you need to have the right supplies to take your trip to the next level. Here are some options: Books: bring along some of your favorites or borrow some books from a friend. A beach read is always a great way to pass the time. Portable speaker: set the mood right with your favorite tunes by having a portable speaker for your group at all times. Beach towel or blanket: claim your spot on the sand with a colorful beach towel or blanket so you can relax and soak up the sun in style. Games: pack compact travel games for fun-filled bonding moments with friends and family. Amazon has some great pocket-size games for traveling. Snacks: stay energized and hydrated during your travels with healthy snacks and a refillable water bottle. When you’re not going out, it’s essential to make sure you’re taking care of yourself in preparation for the rest of the trip. Maybe pack some LiquidI.V.s too! Spring break is going to be a blast! With some of these tips, you’ll be more than prepared to take on the week with confidence and style. Have fun and be safe!