Weekly Scramble: What in the world is Grief tech: redefining death in the age of AI

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT: Texas Teen Wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Faizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, clinched the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, correctly spelling “éclaircissement” to claim the title and over $50,000 in cash and prizes in a dramatic final round.

Zaki, last year’s runner-up, triumphed over eight finalists in the centennial Scripps National Spelling Bee, hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington, D.C. The contest began with 243 spellers aged 11 to 14, narrowed to Zaki, Sarv Dharavane, 11, and Sarvadnya Kadam, 14. All three misspelled words in one round, forcing a tense additional round.

“I can’t remember the last time we’ve seen this kind of late-round drama here at the spelling bee,” Paul Loeffler, the Bee’s TV analyst, said, per CBS News.

In the 21st round, Zaki faced Kadam and spelled “éclaircissement,” a noun meaning a clearing up of something obscure. He pumped his fists and collapsed to the floor in excitement after finishing the word.

“I’m really happy,” Zaki said afterward. Earlier, he faltered on the spelling of “commelina” but was reinstated after collective missteps by his fellow finalists.

Grief tech: redefining death in the age of AI

Few experiences are as profoundly impactful as losing a loved one. The void left behind can seem insurmountable, leaving us yearning for just a little bit more time with those we miss. This deeply human desire is fueling the rise of grief tech, which promises to forever change how we preserve the memory of those who are no longer alive.

• There is a growing number of grief tech start-ups that allow people to have virtual conversations with AI chatbots of their deceased loved ones.
• While some believe grief tech could help people find closure, there are also concerns that it could have a negative impact on their mental health.
• “There is evidence from multiple studies that proximity seeking [behaviours aimed at restoring a closeness with the person who died] is actually linked with poorer mental health outcomes,” explains Dr Kirsten Smith, clinical research fellow at the University of Oxford.
• “Who gets to decide what ‘helping people grieve’ means?” asks psychotherapist and grief consultant Megan Devine.
• “People have always engaged in various kinds of rituals where things are done with the belongings of the deceased, where certain kinds of possessions are preserved,” remarks Dr Elaine Kasket, bereavement lead at the Digital Legacy Association. “This could be seen as a technological version of these analogue, physical rituals.”

One thing is certain: as AI continues to evolve, so too will our approach to death and remembrance. The challenge lies in harnessing this technology thoughtfully, ensuring that we do not commit further harm in our efforts to help. By extension, we cannot lose sight of our humanity in our pursuit of digital immortality.

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