Should I Use AI to Write My Eulogy?
Artificial intelligence is everywhere. From Amazon product suggestions to Google auto-complete, AI has invaded nearly every aspect of our lives. The problem is that AI just isn’t very good when it comes to anything involving human emotion. Have you ever had a meaningful conversation with Siri or Alexa?
That’s not to say AI doesn’t have advantages especially in research and data analysis and increased efficiency to perform repetitive tasks with improved accuracy.
AI is like a smart assistant and learns from data. It uses algorithms, which are step by step instructions, to find patterns and information. As it analyzes more data, it gets better at making decisions and predictions about data.
But what’s difficult to convey in writing is not data but human emotional connection and meaning. Meaning is what humans still have to share that the bots can’t do. AI can’t communicate in a way that connects and inspires like humans can.
AI Excels at Mediocrity
AI falls short of human-written content in terms of emotional resonance, creativity and authenticity. These are data machines, not storytellers. AI is analytical, not emotional. AI is clever, but not crafty or original. AI follows a template, an algorithm.
AI is great at generating content based on data, but not at all good at coming up with original, creative ideas. AI lacks contextual understanding and real-world knowledge, which humans naturally incorporate into their writing. As a result, AI-generated content often lacks relevance, insight or the ability to connect with readers on a personal level.
And AI can’t capture your voice, tone and personality, which are critical in a eulogy.
AI lacks an understanding of human complexities and emotions. As a result, AI is overly simplistic and can't truly understand the nuances of human language.
For example, AI doesn’t understand sarcasm or dynamic dialogue techniques such as foreshadowing or callbacks, which is when you bring back a line or idea from earlier in the speech to add humor, drama or romance.
The best eulogy will provide an inside look at the values, character and personalities of your loved one through your eyes. So writing a kickass eulogy requires emotional engagement. It’s a realm of human experience that is too sacred to automate.
If you decide to hand over your eulogy to a machine then you’re essentially confirming that it’s a meaningless boilerplate. If, on the other hand, you use an experienced human speechwriter that lives, breathes and not only feels but can convey emotion, you’re confirming your eulogy is important and of great value.
I believe imagination and creativity have the highest potential to emotionally engage and entertain audiences because your audience is always made up of human beings, not robots or AI.
What Does an AI-Generated Eulogy Look and Feel Like?
For fun, I purchased a eulogy from an AI site. That eulogy is at the end of this post.
The problem is that there is nothing unique about the AI eulogy. It’s filled with generalizations and empty platitudes that could be said about any father anywhere in the world any day of the week. There’s nothing personal, real or poignant. It’s like a can of generic canned corn—it’s corn and it’s cheap but it doesn’t taste very good and you’re not going to serve it a dinner party or buy it again. AI excels at mediocrity.
The bottom line: What makes us human is our emotions. And when it comes to eulogies human-written content will always win out over bots to honor you loved one. You have only one shot to nail this eulogy.
AI Generated Eulogy
“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we gather here today to pay tribute to a remarkable man, my father. He was not only a father but a mentor, a friend, and a shoulder to lean on in times of need. His presence in our lives brought warmth and happiness, and his wisdom guided us through our toughest moments.
“My father was a man of great integrity and an unwavering sense of compassion. He always put others before himself, never hesitating to lend a helping hand to those in need. His selfless acts of kindness showed us the true meaning of love and generosity.
“His words were like pearls of wisdom, offering guidance and support in our journey through life. He taught us the value of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, traits that have shaped us into the individuals we are today. His patience and understanding were unmatched, always willing to listen and offer sound advice.
“As I stand here today, I am filled with gratitude for having been blessed with such an incredible father. The memories we shared will forever be etched in our hearts, comforting us in his absence. Though we may mourn his passing, we must also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
“My father may no longer walk beside us, but his spirit will live on in every kind deed we do, in every word of encouragement we offer, and in every moment of love we share. His legacy will forever inspire us to be better, to do better, and to love better.
“So let us remember my father not with sorrow, but with joy, knowing that he lived a life filled with love and purpose. May his spirit continue to guide and protect us, and may his memory be a source of comfort and strength as we navigate this journey called life.
“Rest in peace, dear father. Your presence will be sorely missed, but your influence will be forever felt. We love you more than words can express, and we will carry you in our hearts always. Thank you for being the best father a child could ask for.”