Grief Apps Offer Support, but Raise Concerns Over Data Privacy
In the wake of a loved one’s death, finding the right support system is crucial. Grief apps, such as Untangle, DayNew, and Empathy, aim to provide personalized bereavement support through virtual groups and AI-powered features. While these apps can democratize access to support, privacy experts warn that they introduce corporate technology into the vulnerable process of mourning.
Nitika, who lost her father, discovered Untangle and found solace in a community of others who understood her grief. "I mustered the courage to write about my story, and since then this app became my best friend," she says. Similarly, Sofia Root, who lost her mum, experienced a sense of connection through online forums and online support groups.
While these apps offer potential benefits, they also raise concerns about data privacy. As users share personal information, including photos, journal entries, and location data, it’s unclear how this data is used and stored. "The idea that they might be using AI to produce something that’s supposed to be about connecting with real people, it seemed a little fraudulent to me," Root says.
Moreover, some experts argue that these apps can undermine the texture of human connection, replacing personal support with digital interfaces. "Interacting on this stupid little smartphone, with just your thumbs? It’s not going to replace what you lost, and it’s only going to take you so far," Root says.
The apps’ use of artificial intelligence also raises questions about the potential for AI-generated responses, which can introduce doubt and erode trust. "The biggest draw is that we could potentially increase access to resources that people might not otherwise have," says Adrian Aguilera, a psychologist and professor at UC Berkeley. "The most important thing grief apps can provide is consistency and accessibility, and our pre-existing comfort with virtual interfaces can make them a natural-feeling extension of real life."
Despite these concerns, some founders of grief apps, including those at DayNew and Empathy, were motivated by their own experiences with loss. For others, the most important aspect of grief support comes from feeling like a loved one has gone out of their way to help them. The future of grief support remains uncertain, with many experts advocating for a combination of digital tools and traditional mental health support.