Article
Man Talks to Deceased Mother Using AI —1 Year After Star Trek Told That Story
Art Imitates Life, and Life Imitates Art
In Star Trek: Discovery (S05, Ep06: “Whistlespeak”, released May 2nd, 2024), a character creates a digital AI version of his grandmother to cope with his grief and engage in conversation with her.
Well, on Tuesday 23 September 2025, The Independent reported the story of Justin, a man who re-created an AI version of hi mother to alleviate his grief.
He now creates “griefbots” for others.
This intersection of technology and emotion raises important questions about how we process loss and the role AI can play in our healing journeys.
And while Justin may or may not have watched Star Trek: Discovery, many 20th and 21th century inventors and scientists credited Star Trek — science-fiction — for inspiring their creations.
All Roads Lead to Rome.
But Star Trek seems to be an excellent guide.
Want to know more about the author, Lorenzo Colombani, and his work in AI? Check out his website: https://www.lorenzocolombani.com