In the New York Times Magazine feature “What Happens to Us After We Die—Online?”, journalist Alex Mar follows the emotional journey of Peter Listro, a terminally ill man using StoryFile to leave behind an interactive video legacy for his family. The article explores how Harrell—fully aware of his limited time due to pancreatic cancer—participates in StoryFile’s structured interview process to preserve his memories, values, and voice in a way that feels authentic and grounded in his lived experience.

Unlike generative "ghost" avatars that can fabricate synthetic personas, StoryFile captures real people answering real questions. Harrell's experience is deeply personal; he prepares for the interview like it’s a kind of last will, hoping his daughter and granddaughter will one day interact with the digital version of himself. The article contrasts this authenticity with newer trends in AI that simulate personalities without consent or personal input.

The piece also explores broader implications—how technology intersects with grief, legacy, and the philosophy of what it means to remain "present" after death. As Harrell records what he knows will be one of his final contributions, the article asks: is this digital memory a comfort or a complication? StoryFile emerges as a powerful, emotionally resonant tool that honors individual voices—something more grounded than algorithms trained on public data. Genuine human-sourced video narratives—like ours—bring more emotional integrity and meaning to how people remember and connect with those they've lost.

Full article: “What Happens to Us After We Die—Online?”