Facebook parent Meta may be working on AI model that can ‘revive’ dead social media users

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has been granted a patent for an AI system designed to simulate the social media activity of users who are deceased or inactive for extended periods. The patent, initially filed in 2023, describes a large language model that would analyze a user’s past interactions—including posts, comments, likes, messages, and content—to replicate their online presence. This AI could generate new posts, respond to comments and messages, and even mimic video or audio interactions, effectively “reviving” digital personas on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads.

The objective behind this model appears to be maintaining engagement on Meta’s networks by keeping dormant accounts active. As a result, this raises broader questions about the digital legacy of users, consent, privacy, and ethical implications surrounding AI-generated interactions on behalf of people who have passed away. Cyberpsychologists note this approach signals a shift in how social media engagement is viewed, treating user death as a challenge to ongoing platform interaction.

Currently, Meta states it has no plans to implement this technology commercially. However, the patent highlights the growing role of AI in personal digital identity and online memorialization. This development comes amid a rising trend of companies exploring “digital twins” and posthumous AI interactions, reflecting evolving strategies in AI application and digital afterlife management.