4 minute read
How Grief Tech Is Quietly Changing the Way We Mourn
Discover how grief tech is changing the way we, as a society, are mourning and processing death.
Chloe Burcell, @ChloeBurcell
Trust & Will, Gen Z Content Analyst
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We’ve entered a new era of mourning- one where technology is able to transform how we process loss, memorialize loved ones, and keep out connections to the dead. From virtual memorial spaces to AI-generated obituaries and even chatbot versions of our loved ones, today’s newest grieving tools are taking emotional times into the digital realm.
With Gen Z being 580% more likely than the Silent Generation to trust AI in estate planning (2025 Estate Planning Report), it’s no surprise we’re incorporating tech into the way we mourn. So what does this mean for the future of grief, and how will estate planning be able to shape our digital legacies?
What is Grief Tech?
Grief tech is an evolving category of AI, mobile apps, and even immersive digital platforms made to support people through the grieving process. These tools don’t replace traditional mourning practices; instead, they often aim to enhance the quality of the user’s lives during these emotional transitions.
Some examples of these tools would include digital avatars that mimic a loved one’s voice and memories, live streamed memorial services, and grief coaching tools designed to offer comfort and the space to process loss.
How Technology is Shaping Grief
From legacy to memory, technology is changing how we say goodbye.
Grieving in the Digital Age
Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to preserve memories through social media and our devices. What was once a personal photo album could become a lasting digital archive.
Emotional Intelligence of AI
Artificial intelligence has bridged the gap from being a purely practical tool- to a personal one. As seen in tools like HereAfter AI or Replika, developing technology can emulate tone and personality, offering simulated connection long after your loved one is gone.
Top Tools and Trends in Grief Tech
Here are some notable grief tech tools of the current, many of which are already changing how people mourn.
HereAfter AI- Creates a ‘voice clone’ that lets future generations have simulated conversations with you.
Empathy App- Designed for grief support, and also has estate settlement tools.
Replika- Originally a friendship chatbot, it’s already being used to simulate loved ones who have passed on.
MyWishes & Cake- End-of-life planning platforms that include memorial and message scheduling features.
Digital Death Doulas- I personally discovered this career path on Tiktok FYP. Some end-of-life doulas now use social media and specialized apps to educate users on estate settlements, organize legacy videos, digital vaults, and memorial messages.
How Estate Planning Connects to Grief Tech
Many grief tech innovations stem from the desire to secure your legacy. Estate planning can protect more than just your assets, it can ensure that your memory, story, and final wishes are preserved, too. Here’s how estate planning can (and likely will) integrate with grief tech:
Legacy videos or messages: You can store these with your Will or Trust documents.
Digital asset planning: Ensure your social media, cloud files, and digital creations are passed on with clear permissions.
End-of-life instructions: Use platforms like Trust & Will to clarify your memorial preferences, and integrate digital tools into your estate plan.
Want to go deeper? Learn more about planning for your digital legacy and how to include pets, charities, or chosen family in your plan.
Where Will Grief Tech Go Next?
Grief tech is reshaping how we mourn, offering comfort through innovation. As we continue to blend our emotional and digital lives together, estate planning becomes an even more essential part of preserving memory, meaning, and goodbye.
Want to include digital wishes or legacy messages in your plan? At Trust & Will, we help you plan for everything- digital or not.
Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
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Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.
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