Exploring the predictors of public acceptance of artificial intelligence-based resurrection technologies

Abstract

Given their novelty and ethical complexity, this study delves into the public acceptance of artificial intelligence-based resurrection technologies (AI-RTs), an emerging area in the AI domain that proposes to digitally “resurrect” individuals who have passed away. Employing a survey-based experimental design, the study explores various cognitive, affective, normative, and ethical predictors of acceptance, as outlined in the Technology Acceptance Model and its extensions. A nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (N = 1115) was randomly exposed to the description of an AI-RT application — virtual reality, chatbot, or deepfake — to gauge variations in public attitude and behavioral intention. The findings reveal a nuanced understanding of public sentiment towards AI-RTs. Factors such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived benefit, positive emotions, and negative emotions emerged as significant influencers of both attitude towards and intention to use AI-RTs. This study contributes to the understanding of public acceptance of controversial and ethically charged technologies, offering insights for developers, marketers, media, and regulators.