Digital Lazarus
Abstract
In an era where technology increasingly blurs the line between the artificial and the real, this article explores the concept of Digital Lazarus. This term refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to revive and repurpose the performances and personas of individuals from the past. Far from being confined to the entertainment sector, the ripple effects of Digital Lazarus challenge our understanding of authenticity, talent, and the human experience itself. The review article explores the ethical dilemmas of resurrecting popular figures, the unsettling eeriness of increasingly human-like AI entities, and the commercial motivations that drive such initiatives. It also examines the profound impact on societal communication, the life cycle of talent, and the altered grief process in the digital age. By raising critical questions about the exploitation or honoring of legacies, the article offers a nuanced perspective on a future where the boundaries between the real and the artificial are not just blurred but are being actively redefined.