This paper presents an empirical investigation into the acceptance of digital immortality among young generations in China, specifically targeting their use of emerging media technologies. The research implements cluster analysis to categorize participants based on media usage frequency, leading to the identification of distinct groups: "geeks," "video game players," and "laggards." These clusters provide insight into technology's influence on attitudes toward digital immortality, challenging the notion that cultural and philosophical discussions of the topic are sufficient.
Methodology
A sample of 462 individuals aged 18-44 from China was surveyed through Tencent Questionnaire services, focusing on their frequency of engagement with emerging media technologies such as virtual humans, AI chatbots, VR/AR/MR, and video games. Acceptance of digital immortality was assessed using Van Der Laan's acceptance scale. Personality traits, religiosity, and spirituality metrics, along with fear of death, were examined as factors potentially impacting cluster assignments.
Results
Three distinct clusters emerged:
- Geeks: Represented by higher-than-average engagement with VR/AR/MR, AI chatbots, and virtual humans, geeks exhibit an openness to digital immortality. They tend to be older with higher income levels, and many have a spiritual or religious inclination, particularly towards Buddhism and Daoism—an intriguing divergence from expectations as technology enthusiasts are often perceived as secular.
- Video Game Players: This cluster, comprising younger participants with moderate use of other emerging technologies, exhibited a lower propensity for accepting digital immortality than their geek counterparts. They are predominantly male, contradicting the existing stereotype regarding gamers’ outlook towards technological advancements.
- Laggards: This group showed the lowest engagement across all emerging media technologies and is less interested in digital immortality. Their view on innovations correlates with diffused patterns of technology adoption, being similar to the late majority category explained by traditional diffusion theories.
Discussion
The findings suggest the predictive power of technology cluster usage in shaping attitudes towards innovations. "Geeks" who displayed extroverted, open, and conscientious traits were more receptive to digital immortality, despite the eerie nature typically associated with such concepts. Moreover, the intersection between religiosity and technological affinity presents fertile ground for future research, potentially uncovering mainstreaming effects within culturally diverse settings.
The paper provokes reflections on the implications of technology-driven shifts in perceptions of life and death. The presence of digital immortality extends beyond typical innovation categories, engaging philosophical, ethical, and existential dimensions.
Implications and Future Research Directions
Given the exploratory nature of this research, future endeavors could establish theoretical frameworks for analyzing digital immortality acceptance further, possibly integrating cross-cultural perspectives. Additionally, exploring content engagement and usage patterns may enhance understanding of how emerging media technologies shape worldview constructs among youth.
Overall, this investigation provides foundational empirical insight into the attitudes surrounding digital immortality in the context of emerging media technologies in China. It builds upon existing discourse by empirically defining clusters based on technology engagement, laying groundwork for broader interdisciplinary inquiry into this provocative and complex subject matter.