Calum Worthy, widely recognized for his role as Dez Wade in Disney’s Austin & Ally, has launched an AI app named 2wai, which has generated significant controversy. The app allows users to create digital avatars of their deceased loved ones, allowing them to interact through video calls. This innovative concept has drawn comparisons to an episode of the popular series Black Mirror, where a woman uses technology to recreate a digital version of her deceased partner.
In a promotional video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Worthy introduces a new feature of the app. The video begins with a pregnant woman speaking to her mother via a smartphone. As the narrative unfolds, viewers see the woman’s son, Charlie, interacting with his grandmother at various stages of his life, all facilitated through the app’s technology. The scenes depict Charlie at different ages, culminating in moments where he prepares to welcome his own child. The promotional message emphasizes, “With 2wai, three minutes can last forever,” suggesting a lasting connection with loved ones through the app.
The response to the video has been overwhelmingly negative, with many users likening the concept to the darker themes explored in Black Mirror. Comments on the post label the app’s feature as “diabolical” and “psychotic.” This backlash highlights a broader concern regarding the ethical implications of using AI to replicate deceased individuals. One user succinctly stated, “Horrific. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”
Worthy has defended the app, stating in a follow-up post, “At 2wai, we’re building a living archive of humanity, one story at a time.” He emphasized that the app aims to create a social network for avatars, allowing users to share stories and memories. Despite his intentions, the ethical ramifications of such technology remain contentious.
The concept of using AI to interact with digital representations raises profound existential questions about grief and memory. As technology continues to evolve, applications like 2wai challenge societal norms surrounding death and remembrance. While some see potential for connection, others worry about the psychological implications of engaging with digital avatars of lost loved ones.
As discussions around the app unfold, it is clear that Worthy’s initiative has struck a nerve. The intersection of technology and emotion in this context invites further debate about the limits of innovation and the ethical considerations that accompany it. The reactions to 2wai will likely shape the discourse on similar technologies in the future, as society grapples with the complex relationship between memory, technology, and grief.
