What If Grave Speaks: Factors Influencing the Adoption of Digital Immortality Technologies Based on Generative AI

This study explores factors shaping adoption of generative AI–driven Digital Immortality (DI), comparing Digital Legacy Givers (DLGs)—who create posthumous avatars—and Digital Legacy Receivers (DLRs)—who interact with them. Analyzing 305 DLG and 307 DLR surveys plus 18 interviews, it finds DLGs are driven by Presence Extension Needs (PEN) but hindered by Data Snooping Concerns (DSC), reflecting desires for identity continuity and privacy fears. Conversely, DLRs seek Simulated Intimacy Needs (SIN) yet worry about Relationship Desecration Concerns (RDC), valuing emotional closeness while fearing inauthenticity. The study proposes a “Desire–Concern–Individual (D-C-I)” framework, revealing DLGs follow an individual-centered logic (self-perpetuation), while DLRs adopt a socially centered one (relational preservation). It also redefines “ritual” to include everyday human–AI affective interactions, extending beyond traditional mourning practices.