During the Christmas holidaysmany workers are found separated from loved ones due to distance or difficult personal circumstances. A unique initiative by Klick Health has brought a breath of emotion and warmth to these employees, surprising them with virtual hugs transformed into real meetingsthanks to technology.
In a touching video titled “Holiday Hugs”, the company has exploited artificial intelligence to create virtual hugs between employees and their distant loved ones. Through the use of deep fake technology, team members were able to digitally see and “hug” their family members, even if they couldn’t do so in person over the holidays. But the real twist came shortly after: the loved ones who had appeared in the videos they had a surprise when they entered the studio to truly and physically embrace their loved ones.
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One of the most emotional moments was that of Kari Bocassian employee from New York, who saw an AI-generated hug with her sister Marlene, who lives far away. After expressing the desire to be able to hold her, a few moments later, Marlene appeared on the set for a real hug, moving everyone. The two were on vacation since Marlene moved to Virginia after years of caring for her mother who suffered from Alzheimer’s.
Another touching meeting was that of Fred Duartean employee from Toronto, who didn’t see his brother Rico for seven yearsafter his move to Brazil. With the help of technology, Fred experienced the virtual embrace that led, shortly thereafter, to the physical reunion with his brother.
This initiative was born in collaboration with the Foundation for Social Connection in Washington DC, following a survey that revealed how 74% of Americans and Canadians would not be able to hug at least one person again this holiday season due to reasons such as geographic distance or the death of loved ones.
The company also highlights the physical benefits of hugswhich, according to the National Institutes of Health, can lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. “There is nothing more powerful than a real hug,” said Rich Levy, Chief Creative Officer at Klick. Although technology can bring us closer, he added, it can never replace authentic human connection.
