Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Tool for Grief: Between Emotion and Ethical Debate

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has begun to play an unexpected role in mental health: supporting people through grief. Originally designed for entertainment and simulation, this technology is now being explored as a way to help individuals reconnect with memories of loved ones who have passed away, offering a safe emotional space to process loss. One of the most well-known cases is that of a South Korean mother who, in the documentary Meeting You (2020), was able to interact virtually with a recreation of her deceased daughter. The experience included gestures, words, and a familiar setting, triggering a profound emotional response and sparking intense debate about the ethical boundaries of such practices. Can VR help bring emotional closure, or does it risk prolonging pain? More recently, platforms like Hereafter AI and Seance AI have developed systems that combine virtual reality and artificial intelligence to simulate conversations with deceased individuals, using recordings, memories, and personal data. These tools allow users to relive meaningful moments, hear familiar voices, and in some cases, “talk” with digital versions of their loved ones. While these experiences are not without controversy, many professionals agree that—with proper guidance and clear therapeutic goals—VR can become a valuable tool for navigating grief. The key lies in the approach: it’s not about replacing reality, but about creating a symbolic space that encourages emotional expression and the process of saying goodbye. At Flexus VR, we believe in the power of immersive technology to support meaningful human experiences. We continue exploring how virtual reality can contribute to emotional well-being, always with empathy, responsibility, and innovation at the core.