A 17-year-old from Hong Kong, Chen Zi-kin, is living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic condition that gradually weakens muscles. Typically, individuals diagnosed with this illness have a life expectancy of around 25 years. In recent months, Chen's health has declined noticeably. Approximately a year and a half ago, he partnered with a local firm to create his digital counterpart, known as AI Tsz-kin. This avatar was developed using 400 photographs of his face and voice recordings collected over six weeks.
At the launch of the project, Chen expressed his thoughts, stating, "Life may come to an end, but through different means, AI can allow my message to continue. Even if one day I am no longer here, I just hope people remember the spirit behind it." Chen was diagnosed when he was only one and a half years old and is now reliant on a wheelchair and a breathing apparatus during the night. Despite these challenges, he has maintained an adventurous lifestyle, engaging in activities such as paragliding, diving, mountain climbing, and completing a 100-kilometer desert expedition.
The team behind Chen's AI twin emphasizes that their intention is not to replace him. Instead, they aim to help him share his life experiences with a broader audience and provide him with emotional support. The ethical implications of such a project provoke mixed opinions, with some believing it could be beneficial for many, while others argue against its morality.
Informational material. 18+.
