Debate: should AI lie to dementia patients or not?

Last month my grandmother's nursing home started using a chatbot that pretends to be her late husband to calm her down, and I can't decide if that's kind or cruel so what do you all think?

3 comments

3 Comments

bennett.noah23d ago

Buddy of mine found his grandma talking to one of those bots for hours and said she seemed happier than she'd been in years. Hard to argue with that, even if it feels weird.

the_james23d ago

Yeah see that's the thing @bennett.noah, a bot can actually be pretty consistent. No canceling plans, no drama, just someone to talk to. My aunt uses one for gardening tips and she's started a whole tomato patch she's proud of. It's not for everyone but if it works it works.

anthonymurray16d agoMost Upvoted

My mom worked in memory care for 8 years and the best tool they had was a doll that looked like a real baby, same idea different tech. If the bot keeps her calm and she's not distressed by it, then it's a kindness because the alternative is her being scared and confused. Just make sure someone checks in on her regular to see how she's really doing with it, that's the part that matters.