New
New
Lesson 4 of 4
  • Year 11

Digital memory

I can evaluate whether it's possible or desirable to leave a digital memory behind when we die.

Lesson 4 of 4
New
New
  • Year 11

Digital memory

I can evaluate whether it's possible or desirable to leave a digital memory behind when we die.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Before digital media, people would announce the death of a loved one through word of mouth or printed media.
  2. With advances in science and technology, more of our experiences are being documented and recorded.
  3. With AI, robotics and emerging technologies, it may be possible to try and capture the essence of a person.
  4. Whether or not this would actually create a virtual replica of you depends on what you believe makes us human.
  5. People who believe in a soul would be less likely to think we can be virtually recreated after death.

Keywords

  • AI chatbot - a computer program that uses artificial intelligence to understand and respond in ways that sound like a human

  • Digital memory - refers to online traces left behind after a person dies e.g. social media profile

  • Social media - websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking

Common misconception

Digital memory refers to how computers store information.

Digital memory can also refer to digital tools to record and recall a person's life, including traces left behind after a person dies.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Digital memory, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Hold a debate with the class or between groups of students to showcase the ethical arguments for and against the use of AI chatbots that replicate human beings.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

5 Questions

Q1.
Religious and non-religious shape beliefs about the dead.

Correct Answer: worldviews, world views

Q2.
Which aspect of Marie Curie’s life best represents her legacy?

her private life
her personal opinions
Correct answer: her scientific work and discoveries

Q3.
People often keep objects to the memory of the dead.

Correct Answer: preserve, Preserve

Q4.
Legacy can be developed by individuals in the ...

Correct Answer: present, Present

Q5.
How is Sir Chris Hoy building a legacy?

by focusing only on wealth
by avoiding responsibility
Correct answer: by helping, inspiring or contributing to society

Assessment exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match each keyword to its correct meaning:

Correct Answer:AI chatbot,a program that uses artificial intelligence to respond like a human

a program that uses artificial intelligence to respond like a human

Correct Answer:digital memory,refers to online traces left behind after a person dies

refers to online traces left behind after a person dies

Correct Answer:social media,applications that enable users to participate in networking online

applications that enable users to participate in networking online

Q2.
Before digital media, deaths were announced through word of ...

Correct Answer: mouth, Mouth

Q3.
Why do people use social media to announce deaths?

It avoids emotion.
Correct answer: It reaches many people quickly.
It is private.

Q4.
Why might AI chatbots reduce fear?

They prevent death.
They erase grief.
Correct answer: They offer continued interaction.

Q5.
Why do some people oppose AI chatbots of the dead?

Correct answer: They lack consciousness or soul.
They are expensive.
They are inaccurate.

Q6.
Some Buddhists may worry that people will become too to AI chatbots.

Correct Answer: attached, Attached