Diving into the Absurd: AI’s Impact on Our Emotions

In a world where technology merges with our deepest sentiments, Ken Francis’ latest book, *Cities of the Absurd: Strange Tales from the Dark Metropolis*, unveils a startling truth: nearly half (49%) of individuals using generative AI for emotional support are grappling with mental health issues—often without guidance from professionals. Rather than seeking help from human therapists, many turn to programs like ChatGPT, Woebot, or Wysa, raising questions about the emotional future of our society.

Holograms and Heartstrings: A Surreal Encounter with the Past

One of the standout stories, *The Ghosts of Hologram House*, thrusts the reader into a strange reality reminiscent of Ray Bradbury’s classic tale, *A Sound of Thunder*. In our contemporary twist, individuals can pay to interact with holograms of their deceased loved ones—revisiting memories that technology resurrects.

For a hefty price tag of $6,000, the protagonist can engage in a few hours with a recreated hologram of their late parents. This involves submitting cherished family footage and anecdotes, which are fed into advanced AI algorithms to produce responses that mimic those of the original individuals. The eeriness of conversing with a digital facsimile of a loved one lingers long after the experience.

A Warning from the Digital Grave

Francis’ tales often veer into unsettling terrain, and *Hologram House* is no exception. While avoiding specific spoilers, readers familiar with discussions around AI hallucinations will likely expect a chilling conclusion. This narrative teeters on the edge of science fiction—yet, disturbingly, it may soon be our reality.

A New Frontier: The Rise of Deadbots

As our relationship with technology evolves, it seems that ‘deadbots’—digital reincarnations of deceased loved ones—are making their way into our culture. According to Chloe Veltman’s report on NPR, the digital afterlife industry is projected to balloon to nearly $80 billion over the next decade, driven by immense profit potential.

Amy Kurzweil, a New Yorker cartoonist, expresses concern about the emotional power wielded by deadbots while recalling her own experience of creating a chatbot of her grandfather using historical writings. "I could feel like I had some communion with his presence," she shares, highlighting the emotional weight these technologies carry.

Where Are We Heading? An Urban Dystopia Awaits

Not every story in *Cities of the Absurd* ends on a gloomy note—tales like *The Busybody* and *Kingdom of the Moon* provide glimmers of hope. Yet, the pervasive themes make one ponder: In our quest to bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation, what are the consequences of replacing human connection with artificial responses?