AI and grief: why technology can’t replace people

AI and grief: why technology can’t replace people

AI and grief: why technology can’t replace people

https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/article316015255.html

Publish Date: 2026-06-07 06:05:00

Source Domain: www.kansascity.com

AI can’t share human connection.

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Human touch

Artificial Intelligence has no feelings.

My sister passed away in March, and I am coping with the resulting problems: funeral, credit card and other bills, her dogs and cats, grieving family members and other changes.

Will AI come to your house and sit with you? Will it bring over a meal? Will it give you a hug? Will it call and ask if you need anything? Will it hold you while you cry?

AI generates a “Sorry for your loss” text, but it does not feel genuine.

People are so much more than data points and need other people to share their lives. We are losing sharing with each other.

– Carol Philo, Kansas City

It’s robbery

Dear Gov. Mike “Give-to-the-rich-and-rob-from-the-poor” Kehoe:

You want to eliminate Missouri’s income tax. I remember how Kansas tried something similar. Maybe you can’t recall the disaster and how it evolved. Total failure.

Currently, and for several years, I have not paid Missouri income tax — because my income was too low. Mostly, I live on my Social Security. However, I spend about $2,200 on sales tax per year. Every cent the sales tax goes up to fill the budget shortfall created by the “no income tax” plan, I would pay more. Robbery by politics.

Vote against this ridiculous idea.

– Bo L. Steed, Gallatin, Missouri

On track?

In the Royals’ final spring-training game at Surprise, Arizona, on March 21, I watched as pitcher Cole Ragans stood on the mound and threw up his arms in frustration. He had been taken out of the game earlier, then reentered. I was mystified the Royals named him opening-day…

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