Digital grief technology to support bereavement: A systematic review of potential benefits and risks

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.