This AI claims to predict your death ☠️

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The Death Clock app, powered by artificial intelligence, promises to predict its users’ date of death. While it has gained some popularity, this innovation raises ethical and scientific questions.

A Human Fascination with Death🔮

Humanity has always been captivated by death. In the past, prophets, mediums, and witches claimed to possess the ability to reveal the fateful hour. Today, technology takes over with the « Death Clock » app, launched in July 2023. Available for download, Death Clock claims to predict the day of a user’s death.

The app has seen notable success, with over 50,000 downloads and an excellent rating of 4.6 stars based on nearly 2,000 reviews. Although the app is free to download, it offers paid features priced between €9.99 and €99. However, the specifics of these features remain unclear, raising questions among users.

The app at a glance⛔️

« Death Clock uses advanced AI technology to help you understand how your habits may influence your life expectancy, guiding you toward healthier choices. » The app provides estimates based on scientifically backed data, offering insights into your potential lifespan based on your current habits. « These estimates are designed to inform and motivate decisions for a healthier lifestyle, » reads the Google Play download page.

A tool based on daily habits 📊

The functionality of « Death Clock » relies on analyzing personal data. It considers factors such as sleep quality, physical activity levels, stress, and dietary habits. These data points are then cross-referenced with an AI model trained on 1,200 scientific studies involving 53 million participants.

In concrete terms, the app’s creator, Bret Franson, explains that its primary goal is simple: to help users understand the impact of their lifestyle choices on their life expectancy. According to him, knowing this hypothetical date could motivate individuals to adopt healthier habits.

Significant limitations and criticism ⚠️

Despite its ambitious vision, « Death Clock » has notable limitations. It excludes crucial variables such as genetics, mental health, and the impact of social isolation. Additionally, the app cannot account for unpredictable events like accidents, natural disasters, or pandemics.

Some experts believe the app exploits people’s anxieties about death for profit. The in-app purchases and subscription plans suggest a financial motive may be at play. However, others see it as a potentially useful tool for raising awareness about the importance of healthy living.

« Death Clock » represents both the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. While the app captivates with its boldness, it also sparks debate about its actual usefulness and ethical implications. Above all, it reflects a universal truth: humanity has never stopped searching for answers to the inevitable.

Would you be willing to use such an app to discover your hypothetical date of death? Let us know in the comments 😅