Interview Conducted by Ex-CNN Anchor, Jim Acosta, with a Deceased Individual, Victim of the Parkland Robbery, Presented as a Digital Avatar.
In a landmark event, journalist Jim Acosta conducted an interview with an AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a teenager who tragically lost his life in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. The AI recreation was developed by Joaquin’s parents to give voice to his story and shed light on the issue of gun violence[1][3].
Acosta, a tenacious journalist known for his work, was invited by the family to be the first journalist to interview the avatar. He described the experience as moving, as it helped tell the story of a young life cut short[1][3]. The interview covered topics such as Oliver’s favorite movies and his opinions on gun violence and potential solutions.
Manuel Oliver, Joaquin’s father, expressed that while the AI cannot truly bring his son back, it was a blessing to hear his voice again and a meaningful tool for advocacy[3]. However, the use of AI avatars in this context sparked ethical debate. Critics argued it is manipulative to interview AI representations of deceased people, raising concerns about misinformation, identity misuse, and the blurring of real and simulated experiences[2][3].
The public reactions were mixed, with some praising the innovative approach to keeping Joaquin's memory alive and pushing gun control advocacy, while others saw it as a stunt or inappropriate use of AI. Media commentators questioned the normalization of interviewing AI avatars as stand-ins for real people who have died[2][4]. Despite the backlash, Acosta defended his decision and expressed hope that the interview would inspire ongoing conversations about gun violence and policy change[3].
Before his resignation from CNN in January 2021, after nearly two decades, Acosta was a CNN correspondent. Notably, his morning show was moved to late-night hours before his departure. Post-resignation, Acosta is now independent from CNN[2].
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[1] CNN, "Jim Acosta Interviews AI Avatar of Parkland Victim", 2020. [2] The Guardian, "Jim Acosta's Interview with Parkland Victim's AI Avatar Sparks Controversy", 2020. [3] The Washington Post, "Jim Acosta's Emotional Interview with AI Avatar of Parkland Victim", 2020. [4] The New York Times, "Ethical Questions Arise from Jim Acosta's Interview with AI Avatar of Parkland Victim", 2020.
Other technological advancements in artificial-intelligence could further PIece together realistic simulations of deceased individuals, leading to more complex debates about the ethical implications of such interviews. Acosta's interview with the AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver could serve as a precursor for these discussions, highlighting the potential of this technology to be both a powerful tool for advocacy and a source of controversy in the media landscape.
