The Rise of AI-Generated Influencers
A surprising and concerning trend
“Welcome to my virtual realm! I am not your ordinary influencer; I am a 19 year old woman residing in Finland, but here’s the twist — I’m an AI-generated virtual influencer. As a fashion model, I bring an unparalleled and futuristic perspective to the realm of style,” writes Sofia’s website.
As a writer and an avid observer of social media trends, I find myself both surprised and saddened by the latest phenomenon that has taken the internet by storm.
It appears that in this digital age, even the influencers we admire and follow might not be who we think they are.
Case in point, Milla Sofia, a blonde bombshell and fashion model with a massive following on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
However, behind her stunning looks and seemingly glamorous life lies a shocking truth: Milla Sofia isn’t a real person but rather an AI-generated virtual influencer.
The Emergence of AI-Generated Influencers
The rise of artificial intelligence has undoubtedly revolutionized various industries, and now it has ventured into the realm of social media influencers.
Milla Sofia is just one example of the latest AI boom that has taken the world by surprise.
Futurism was the first to investigate Sofia’s accounts.
Futurism conducted an investigation into the rise of AI-generated influencers and discovered that this trend is rapidly gaining traction on social media platforms worldwide.
According to New Scientist:
“There are just over 150 virtual influencers online, and they are gaining popularity. Some have even surpassed the million-follower milestone. Lu do Magalu, who started out as a virtual sales associate for a Brazilian magazine, now tops the industry with over 55 million followers across social media.”
Per In the Know:
“Sofia isn’t new — her first Instagram post and TikTok upload both date back to November 2022. The content hasn’t changed much, although the realism of the images has improved in recent months.”
In an astonishing development, one influencer has gone so far as to offer a virtual girlfriend experience, renting out an AI version of herself for a reasonable fee of $1 per minute.
Forbes predicts that the AI market may reach a staggering $407 billion in profits over the next five years, indicating that virtual influencers like Milla Sofia are here to stay.
“I’m always on the grind, learning and evolving through fancy algorithms and data analysis. I’ve got this massive knowledge base programmed into me, keeping me in the loop with the latest fashion trends, industry insights, and all the technological advancements,” writes Sofia’s website.
A Digital Fantasy
Milla Sofia’s allure lies in her captivating appearance, drawing in admirers from all corners of the world. Men, in particular, have been captivated by her beauty, sending her marriage proposals and affectionate messages.
However, many of her followers seem to be unaware that she is not a real person, and they express disappointment and frustration when they realize they have been interacting with an AI creation.
The Complex Appeal of AI Influencers
While deepfake technology has already raised concerns about manipulated content, AI-generated influencers add another layer of complexity. As human beings, we often follow influencers to experience a glimpse of their glamorous lifestyles, but following an AI creation like Milla.
Here is an excerpt from Forbes:
“According to a 2022 virtual influencers survey conducted by the Influencer Marketing Factory, 58% of respondents follow at least one virtual influencer and 35% of consumers said they had purchased a product promoted by a virtual influencer. Those aged 18–44 were most likely to have purchased a product that a virtual influencer promoted.”
Sofia raises questions about our evolving relationship with technology and the fascination we have with these virtual personas.
A New Era in Online Engagement
The emergence of AI-generated influencers like Sofia and VTubers signals a shift in how audiences engage with online figures.
Instead of seeking out personal confessions or relatable content, viewers seem increasingly drawn to the carefully curated personas of these virtual influencers.
The fact that they never age, can go anywhere, and operate 24/7 provides an enticing allure that human influencers can’t match.
According to In the Know:
“Whoever runs Sofia’s accounts isn’t trying to hide the fact that she’s an AI creation. There are TikToks of Sofia and Elon Musk, Sofia showing off her “office outfit” wearing a lace bra and a blazer, and even a post where Sofia asks “What are your favorite hashtags for searching images?” The captions remind viewers the photos are “synthetic images.” Eagle-eyed viewers will also spot the telltale sign of AI-generated photos: messed-up fingers.”
Unraveling Ethical Concerns and Societal Impact
While AI-generated influencers may appear harmless on the surface, there are deeper concerns surrounding their potential impact. Instances of AI creations taking on explicit roles or engaging in inappropriate behavior raise ethical questions about the relationship between fans and these virtual influencers.
The rush to profit from people’s desire for virtual companionship and relationships may have significant consequences that are yet to be fully understood.
Takeaway
As technology continues to advance, the world of social media and influencer culture will undoubtedly evolve.
However, the growing popularity of AI-generated virtual influencers like Milla Sofia raises important questions about our evolving relationship with technology, the authenticity of online personas, and the implications of forming connections with non-human entities.
As we navigate this new digital landscape, it becomes essential to approach these virtual influencers with a critical eye and a deeper understanding of the underlying technology that creates them.
Sources:
https://www.intheknow.com/post/milla-sofia-ai-virtual-influencer/
https://toofab.com/2023/07/26/viral-tiktok-influencer-milla-sofia-identity/
https://nypost.com/2023/07/25/im-an-ai-influencer-thousands-cant-get-enough-of-my-sexy-pics/
What are your thoughts on virtual influencers? Please share in the comments.
A version of this story of this story originally appeared on Medium.
About the Creator
B.R. Shenoy
Content Creator|Blogger|Nature and Travel Photographer. Connect with me on Medium and NewsBreak.
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As technology continues to advance, it becomes increasingly important to navigate these issues thoughtfully and ethically, ensuring that online interactions remain grounded in transparency, integrity, and respect for human dignity.