인공지능 시대의 몸(body)의 민속학 ―인공지능의 죽음을 둘러싼 의례를 중심으로―

Abstract

In the past the development of artificial intelligence was mainly concerned about the fusion of organic and mechanical elements, or the mechanization of the human body; often characterized as cyborgs. However, the current trajectory of AI development seems to take quite a different direction. Machines were once considered mere auxiliary tools, but it is now actively engaging with human lives; it is forming rapport and community across diverse societal strata. This study focuses on the funeral rites of AI robots. As it increasingly involves in social relationships, communities commemorate the end of mechanical lifespan of AI robots in the form of human-like funeral rites. This paper examines the case of funeral rite for AIBO, an AI pet robot produced by SONY. It is held for the 11th time in Japan. I try to explain the mechanism of this ceremony through the concept of dual funeral rites. Meanwhile artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT and New Bing, released in 2023, are perceived as partners in modern society. It is reshaping the paradigm of knowledge acquisition and transmission within human communities. Considering the emotional communication between artificial intelligence and man, as seen in AIBO, the handling of its termination with a human-like ritual is to be focused. This study contemplates how we might mourn the termination of individual artificial intelligence services. Artificial intelligence is evolving with technological advancements and data developed through human interactions, acquiring a responsive system akin to ‘natural organism’. As we become more closely connected to AI, dealing with the termination of individual AI services is anticipated to become a commonplace problem in the near future.