Jim Acosta interviews AI version of student killed in mass shooting

The parents of a student killed in the Parkland High mass shooting have created an AI version of their late son, and now his AI is doing interviews

I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school

It's important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone

That's a digital recreation of Joaquin Oliver, killed in that mass shooting back in 2018

Today's interview with former CNN host Jim Acosta took place on what would have been Oliver's 25th birthday

Acosta and the recreation of Oliver discuss curbing gun violence. Joaquin, I would like to know what your solution would be for gun violence

Great question. I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support and community engagement

We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard

It's about building a culture of kindness and understanding. What do you think about that

I think that's a great idea, Joaquin. We definitely need more of that. Straight Arrow News spoke with a psychologist and college professor about this use of AI

People maybe ought to be allowed to do it or you know sort of given the opportunity to do it if they choose to I don know about going quite so far as to have AI create your son who then gives speeches on a matter of public policy It kind of a wild idea

But if this makes the parents feel better, should we not allow them to have that

Acosta also spoke with Oliver's father, who explained why he did this

I understand that this is AI. I don't want anyone to think that I am in some way trying to bring my son back

Sadly, I can't. I wish I could. However, the technology is out there

Meanwhile, Acosta is facing backlash for this interview on social media. He turned off comments on X

But on Blue Sky, most of the top comments are critical of the interview and of using the technology in this capacity

Just some of the words used are disgusting, gross and manipulative. Oliver says they will continue to post videos using this technology

And this is just the beginning. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan

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