Artificial intelligence-created likeness of a deceased teenager advocates for gun control in conversation with journalist Jim Acosta
In a groundbreaking move, journalist Jim Acosta recently interviewed an artificially animated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a student who lost his life in the tragic Parkland high school shooting in 2018. The interview, conducted on Acosta's Substack show, has elicited a mix of reactions, with some finding it "creepy," "weird," and "unsettling," while others found it an interesting and even touching experiment.
Manuel Oliver, Joaquin's father, generated his son's likeness using AI for the interview. This is not the first time Manuel has used technology to keep his son's memory alive. During the conversation, Acosta asked questions about Joaquin's favorite team, movies, and TV shows, aiming to create a more personal connection.
The avatar was used to promote a gun control message, a cause close to the heart of both Manuel and Joaquin. Joaquin's avatar expressed a desire for a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement to address gun violence. In a powerful statement, the AI-generated message from Joaquin said, "I died that day in Parkland, my body was destroyed by a weapon of war."
Jim Acosta expressed hope that the interview might encourage people to keep pushing for stronger gun control laws. Manuel Oliver stated that Joaquin is a symbol of something deeply wrong with the country regarding gun violence.
It's important to note that while concerns about the fairness and integrity of upcoming elections, particularly the 2026 and 2028 elections, are being expressed broadly, there is no credible evidence linking Jim Acosta to any election manipulation or interference strategies related to the 2026 midterms. Detailed plans by former President Trump targeting 2026 midterms have not been substantiated in the current information available. The emphasis mainly remains on general trends of media adversarial roles and fears of voter suppression tactics.
Jim Acosta has a history of a contentious relationship with Trump, especially during Trump's first administration, when Acosta's White House press credentials were suspended and later reinstated by court orders. Trump's administration often challenged legacy media, including CNN and Acosta, framing them as "fake news," but this was primarily a battle over media access and public perception rather than explicit election interference.
Post-CNN, Acosta launched his own Substack in February, where he regularly interviews progressive guests and remains a harsh critic of Republicans and the Trump administration. The interview with Joaquin's avatar is a testament to Acosta's commitment to using his platform to discuss pressing issues and keep important conversations alive.
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- The use of artificial intelligence in the interview of an artificially animated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the 2018 Parkland high school shooting, has sparked diverse reactions, ranging from "creepy" and "weird" to "interesting" and "touching."
- Manuel Oliver, Joaquin's father, utilized AI technology to create his son's likeness for the interview concerning gun control, a cause close to both Manuel and Joaquin's heart.
- During the conversation, questions were posed about Joaquin's favorite team, movies, and TV shows to foster a more personal connection with the audience.
- Joaquin's AI-generated message stated, "I died that day in Parkland, my body was destroyed by a weapon of war," elucidating the need for stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement.
- Jim Acosta, the interviewer, expressed hope that the interview would inspire people to continue pushing for stricter gun control regulations.
- Manuel Oliver expressed that Joaquin is symbolic of a significant problem with gun violence in the country.
- Despite concerns over election fairness, there is no concrete evidence linking Jim Acosta to election manipulation or interference strategies, particularly in relation to the 2026 midterms.
- After leaving CNN, Jim Acosta established his own Substack platform, where he continues to advocate for progressive viewpoints, interview like-minded guests, and maintain his criticism towards the Republican party and the Trump administration.
