Death Tech in China: Family Creates AI Clone of Deceased Son to Protect Elderly Mother with Heart Condition
In a poignant and increasingly common example of “death tech” in China, a family has turned to artificial intelligence to shield an 80-year-old woman from the devastating news of her only son’s death.
The man was killed in a car accident at the beginning of last year. Fearing that the truth could trigger a dangerous health crisis due to her existing heart condition, the family — particularly her grandson — decided to keep the death a secret.
They contacted an AI company in Jiangsu province and provided hundreds of photos, videos, and voice recordings of the deceased man, including samples of his local dialect. The team, led by Zhang Zewei, successfully created a highly realistic digital twin — an AI clone capable of conducting natural video calls.
The virtual son now regularly “calls” his mother through a popular chat app. He looks and sounds just like the real man, even replicating his habit of leaning forward while speaking. When she asks why he hasn’t visited, the AI replies that he has moved to another city for work and is too busy to return home soon.
A Gentle Lie That Feels Real
“You should call me more often so that I know whether you live well or not in another city,” she tells the AI clone. “I am missing you so much. I feel so sorry that I cannot see you in person.”
The digital son responds affectionately, promising to follow her advice and adding:
“OK, mum. But I am too busy. I cannot talk to you for a long time. You take care of yourself. When I have made enough money, I will return home to pay my filial piety to you.”
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Growing Industry of Digital Resurrection
China has seen a rising number of similar cases as AI technology becomes more accessible and affordable, allowing families to maintain emotional connections with lost loved ones.
Public reaction on Chinese social media has been deeply divided. Some call it “a gentle lie” and a touching act of love, while others worry about the long-term psychological impact if the truth ever comes out. Critics argue that prolonged deception could ultimately cause even greater harm.
For now, however, the 80-year-old mother continues her daily routine, ending each video call the same way she always did — with warm, caring advice for her “son” working far away.
This story highlights the rapidly evolving intersection of grief, technology, and family duty in modern China, where AI is increasingly being used not just to remember the dead, but to keep them conversationally “alive” for those left behind.