Or at least sort of? We post so much information about ourselves online that it seems only appropriate that with the right algorithms and information gleaned from what you yourself post, it would be possible to recreate a digital version of you that can actually carry on a conversation in your voice, mentioning things that you actually did, or enjoyed, or followed. Right?

Apparently so. And now there’s finally a use for just such a thing.

This post on nbcnews.com discusses a startup with the clever and slightly creepy name of eterni.me. This service will allow people to upload the various meaningful detritus (which I realize is an oxymoron) of their life, and the system will create a virtual representation of that person that will be able to carry on conversations, offer guidance and input, and generally act like that person after the actual person has passed away.

The system doesn’t officially exist yet, by the way, but I assume it will in short order. It was created , according to a caption on the site, at an entrepreneurship bootcamp hosted by MIT. These can be very effective; UNLV’s entrepreneurship program has resulted in several wonderful ideas, but nothing like this.

I can’t figure out if this is clever or morbid or both. Many people worry about leaving behind a legacy, something they can be remembered for by future generations. If people are already sharing so much about themselves, maybe this is a clever idea. I wonder if given the chance to talk to my uncle, or grandfather, or friend who passed away just three months ago, even if it were them only in a digital form, but their voice and mannerisms and idiosyncrasies, would I?

I honestly don’t know.