New Technology Draws “Black Mirror” Comparisons Online

Calum Worthy Unveils Controversial AI App


November 16, 2025 —Former Austin & Ally actor Calum Worthy is making headlines for launching 2wai, a new AI app designed to recreate digital versions of deceased loved ones. The platform uses short video uploads to generate interactive “HoloAvatars,” allowing users to talk, ask questions, and even receive life advice from AI versions of people who have passed away.

A promo for 2wai featuring a digital avatar of actor Calum Worthy

2wai.ai

A “Living Archive of Humanity,” Says Worthy


Worthy has passionately defended the project, describing 2wai as “a living archive of humanity, one story at a time.” He says the goal is to preserve memories and personalities in a way that future generations can revisit and learn from, rather than letting cherished stories fade.

Instant Black Mirror Comparisons


Despite Worthy’s intentions, the app has ignited massive controversy online. Many critics say the concept feels unsettling, with some calling it “dystopian” and directly comparing it to Black Mirror storylines that explore grief, loss, and digital resurrection. Social media reactions range from curiosity to discomfort, with debates about whether this kind of technology crosses an ethical line.

How the App Works


According to the company’s demos, users can create a lifelike avatar by uploading just a few minutes of video. The AI then reconstructs the person’s voice, facial expressions, and conversational style. Once created, the avatar can hold conversations, recall shared memories, and interact in real time — an experience that many find both impressive and unnerving.

Concerns Over Grief and Emotional Impact


Mental health advocates warn that such technology could complicate the grieving process, potentially blurring the line between remembrance and emotional dependence on a digital replica. Others argue that the app may unintentionally exploit vulnerable individuals dealing with fresh loss.

Worthy Pushes Back Against Criticism


In response, Worthy insists that users have full control over how their avatars behave and what they know. He states that 2wai is meant to comfort, not replace, the real emotional process of healing. He maintains that AI-driven preservation could become a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural memory, and passing down family history.

A Bold Step Into the Future — Or a Step Too Far?


As conversations continue, 2wai stands at the center of a heated debate: Is this the future of digital legacy, or an unsettling leap that mirrors science fiction warnings? Whether people are fascinated or disturbed, one thing is clear — Calum Worthy’s AI experiment has everyone talking.

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Published by HOLR Magazine

Image Credit: 2wai.ai, Michael Tullberg/Getty