Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

5-2026

Abstract

Grief is a universal and inevitable experience. However, the way we support the bereaved is changing, especially in the digital era. This systematic review examines the potential benefits and risks associated with various digital grief technologies, including online grief support groups, generative AI chatbots, online memorials, online therapy interventions, virtual reality, and digitally reproduced visuals or audio of the deceased. A systematic search was conducted in seven databases, and 30 articles were included in the final review. Findings indicate that digital grief technologies offer several benefits, such as reductions in grief and depressive symptoms, enhanced social support, greater accessibility, and increased convenience and scalability of support. However, notable risks were identified, including emotional detachment, potential overreliance on digital interactions, trivialization of sacred bereavement practices, misrepresentation of the deceased, privacy violations, and data security concerns. This review provides critical insights and an overview for professionals and institutions to consider when integrating digital grief technology into bereavement care.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence, Bereavement, Digital afterlife, Digital grief technology, Griefbots, Thanatechnology

Discipline

Applied Behavior Analysis | Artificial Intelligence and Robotics | Social Psychology

Research Areas

Psychology

Areas of Excellence

Digital transformation

Publication

Computers in Human Behavior Reports

Volume

22

First Page

1

Last Page

10

ISSN

2451-9588

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2026.101148

Publisher

Elsevier

Copyright Owner and License

Authors-CC-BY

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2026.101148

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