Virtual Reunions: How AI ‘Deadbots’ and Deepfakes Are Redefining Grief for Russian Military Families
, ,

Virtual Reunions: How AI ‘Deadbots’ and Deepfakes Are Redefining Grief for Russian Military Families

A new wave of artificial intelligence technology is allowing families of Russian soldiers killed or missing in Ukraine to “reunite” with their loved ones in the digital realm. Since mid-2025, AI-generated videos and photos depicting fallen servicemen returning home, embracing their wives, or ascending to heaven as angels have surged in popularity across social media […]

The Rise of ‘Virtual Parents’: Why China’s Youth Are Seeking Emotional Refuge Online
, ,

The Rise of ‘Virtual Parents’: Why China’s Youth Are Seeking Emotional Refuge Online

A growing trend of ‘virtual parents’ is gaining significant traction across Chinese social media, offering a digital sanctuary for young adults struggling with the pressures of modern life and strained familial relationships. Content creators like Pan Huqian and Zhang Xiuping have amassed millions of followers on platforms like Douyin by producing videos that offer unconditional […]