AI generated personalities taking over social media

I’ve heard of AI impacting call center jobs and copywriters. I’ve read of freelancers watching their jobs go away on Fiverr.

But there is a new threat that I would have never thought of: AI beating out influencers in social media. To think that an AI generated image would be so desirable to people that ad money is flowing to the owners of that AI influencer. There is one that is raking in about 10,000 Euros per month (at this time, roughly $11,000 per month).

I can’t tell if the fake influencer bios announce upfront that they are AI generated. I thought I read somewhere (but can’t find it) that even when announcing upfront that the image is AI generated, the fake personality still turns out to be popular.

I’ve seen the images of these AI influencers, and they don’t have that robotic image. Instead, they appear very personable and rather pretty with a nice physique. Basically, what I would imagine to be a very desirable female without being too beautiful and unattainable.

Here’s the Forbes article, “This AI-Generated Influencer Can Pull in Almost $11,000 per Month”.

So, here’s a quote from the Forbes article that explains the reasoning behind the development of the AI influencer:

That agency, called The Clueless, says AI models are more reliable and easier to work with than humans, who have pesky egos and don’t always show up for shoots on time. “We believe certain brands are leaning towards AI-generated models for their efficiency in cutting costs and time,” Rubén Cruz and Diana Núñez, co-founders of The Clueless, said in an email interview.

Forbes, “This AI-Generated Influencer Can Pull in Almost $11,000 per Month”, Leslie Katz, 11/24/2023

Ugh, there’s the cost cutting as part of the reason. But also, that the AI is easier to work with.

But check out this mission statement (I think that is what it is) from the developer:

“We are not just an AI modeling agency, we are visionaries on a mission to redefine the world of influencers,” The Clueless says on its site. “Our goal is to transcend the conventional realm of modeling and lead the way in influencing, ushering in a new era characterized by authenticity, impact and deep meaning.”

Forbes, “This AI-Generated Influencer Can Pull in Almost $11,000 per Month”, Leslie Katz, 11/24/2023

Authenticity? Deep meaning? That statement feels so fake and empty.

Here’s Ars Technica “AI-created “virtual influencers” are stealing business from humans”.

We are moving towards a very ugly world where people may have “relationships” with AI-generated people. I kind of wonder what is wrong with these people.