The image of social media has been shaped by influencers for years. Until now they were people made of flesh and blood. Today, more and more AI influencers are conquering the platforms. Its realism is frightening and companies are recognizing its enormous potential. But what impact does this trend have on real influencers – and on consumers? – A look into the virtual world of AI-generated social media stars.
The phenomenon of AI influencers
The role of influencer on social media is no longer reserved only for real people. The combination of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created a new type of influencer: AI influencers. Outwardly, they can often hardly be distinguished from real people. In their online presence, they display human-like behaviors, interests and preferences.
Milla Sofia & Co: The new generation of AI influencers
Milla Sofia is just one example of many. She is the perfect role model of a modern social media star with perfect looks and classic influencer posts. But how many of her fans actually know that she is just a product of artificial intelligence? And she is far from the only one. Lil Miquela, also an AI product, has millions of fans and is an established advertising face.
Gold mine for companies: The advantages of AI influencers
Companies are quickly discovering the benefits of AI influencers. They are predictable, there are no scandals and they can be perfectly tailored to your own brand. Compared to real influencers who want to be paid for their work, they are often cheaper. Luxury brands and technology companies are already making intensive use of these new opportunities.
Consequences for “real” influencers
The presence of AI influencers presents real influencers with new challenges. They are now competing not only with each other, but also with digital beings that are “perfect” in many ways. Will there still be room for human influencers in the future? Or will they be completely replaced by AI versions?
Dangers and ethical questions
AI influencers offer many advantages. But there are also potential dangers and ethical dilemmas.
- How do they influence the perception of beauty and reality?
- What does this mean for younger users who may not be able to differentiate between real and AI-based influencers?
- And to what extent is the creation of such digital personalities and their use for commercial purposes ethical?
Conclusion: The future of AI influencers
There's no denying that AI influencers have found a permanent place in the social media landscape and will likely continue to do so for some time to come. It is up to us to decide how we deal with this new breed of influencers, how we leverage their presence and how we manage their impact on our society.
It's a fascinating time to witness this fusion of technology and culture. But it is up to us to ensure it is managed responsibly.
This might also interest you:
Influencers: How fakes dominate the online world
Nasty Internet fakes: When stars become targets
TikTok, Snapchat & Co.: How they influence the psyche of our youth
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

