Stan Lee Hologram Debuts at LA Comic Con, Sparks Backlash Over Ethics of AI-Powered Avatar
The Los Angeles Comic Con has unveiled an AI-powered hologram of the late Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee, allowing fans to interact with the digital avatar for a fee. The debut of the hologram has sparked widespread criticism from fans and media outlets, who deem it "incredibly disrespectful" and "ghoulish," calling into question the ethics of using AI to recreate deceased individuals.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the AI-powered Stan Lee hologram will be available at the LA Comic Con for a fee of $15 to $20. The digital avatar is a life-sized representation of Lee, created using advanced artificial intelligence technology. Fans can interact with the hologram in an enclosed booth at the show, which runs from August 17 to 19.
The instant response from many fans and media outlets was not kind, according to reports. A writer for TheGamer called the idea "demonic" and said it needs to be "killed with fire before it's too late." However, Chris DeMoulin, the CEO of the parent company behind LA Comic Con, urged critics to come see the AI-powered hologram for themselves before passing judgment.
"We encourage everyone to experience the Stan Lee hologram firsthand," DeMoulin said in a statement. "We believe that it is a unique and innovative way to celebrate Stan's legacy and provide fans with an unforgettable experience."
However, many experts and fans disagree with DeMoulin's assessment. "Using AI to recreate deceased individuals raises serious questions about the ethics of digital resurrection," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in artificial intelligence ethics. "It's not just about creating a digital avatar; it's about manipulating people's emotions and memories for commercial gain."
The backlash against the Stan Lee hologram has sparked a wider debate about the use of AI in entertainment and the potential consequences of digital resurrection. While some see it as a way to keep beloved figures like Lee alive, others view it as a form of exploitation.
As the LA Comic Con continues, fans will have the opportunity to interact with the Stan Lee hologram for themselves. However, the controversy surrounding its debut is likely to continue, raising important questions about the ethics of AI-powered digital avatars and their place in popular culture.
In related news, the LA Comic Con has announced that it will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the Stan Lee hologram to the Stan Lee Foundation, which supports various charitable causes. The foundation's mission is to "continue the legacy of Stan Lee by supporting education, arts, and community programs."
The debate over the Stan Lee hologram is set to continue in the coming weeks and months, with many experts and fans weighing in on the ethics of digital resurrection. As the use of AI-powered digital avatars becomes more prevalent, it remains to be seen how society will respond to this new frontier in entertainment and technology.
This story was compiled from reports by Slashdot and Ars Technica.
