dr. P.H. (Rik) Smit
Generating the past: How people remember with generative artificial intelligence (GenMem), Vidi project funded by the Dutch Research Council (2027-2031)
People increasingly remember with generative artificial intelligence (genAI). For example, an AI companion can recount your life story based on all the conversations you had with it, a griefbot can digitally ‘resurrect’ a deceased family member based on their digital remains, and a chatbot can even let you talk to Gandhi. However, genAI can also produce hurtful content and misrepresent, sanitize or weaponize the past.
My project investigates how remembering with AI influences personal wellbeing and social cohesion by examining 1) how people remember the self with AI companions and chatbots, 2) how they remember others with digital resurrection applications, and 3) how online communities remember shared pasts with historical genAI.
GenMem examines three currently understudied interrelated dimensions of remembering with genAI: practices (uses), affects (feelings) and imaginaries (perceptions). GenMem thus shows how memory is co-constructed through distinct cultural practices, thoughts, feelings and AI technologies. Individuals and groups may actively resist, strategically use or fully embrace such technologies. GenMem examines if, how and why genAI is becoming part of remembering.
Methodologically innovative, GenMem will develop a ‘mobile memory experience’, together with artists and designers. This interactive exhibition will travel to festivals, schools, libraries and museums to let demographically diverse participant-visitors interact with memory-related genAI tools and installations. This serves a dual role: a) to gather data about users’ practices, perceptions and experiences concerning memory and AI and b) to share research insights.
Ultimately, this project will break new ground by producing insights based on lived experiences, imaginaries and actual use, amending research in multiple fields and instigating public debate on AI and memory, a timely topic now our pasts are not just digitalized, but actively generated.