Blessed with blonde hair, perfect complexion and a sunny personality, Emma seems the ideal spokeswoman for German tourism. In her mid-30s and madly passionate about travel and technology, she speaks 20 languages including English with a slight British accent. As I plan my holiday to Germany this Christmas, I am intrigued by her enthusiastic Instagram posts. Except that her posts fascinate and repel me in equal measure because Emma isn't a real person. In fact, she's an entirely artificial intelligence (AI)-generated virtual influencer.
Virtual influencers, often referred to as digital humans or computer-generated imagery influencers, are Al-generated characters that possess realistic looks, personalities and active social media profiles. These virtual avatars partner with brands, produce content, share narratives and interact with their audience, making it increasingly challenging to tell the difference between real and digital influencers. And there has indeed been a growing posse of virtual influencers infiltrating our chaotic consumer landscape, where heaps of products and services vie for our attention.
In order to introduce the Coach spring collection, the American bag company unveiled its Find Your Courage campaign featuring virtual human, model and digital creator imma interacting with real-life celebrities such as Lil Nas X, Camila Mendes and Lee Young-ji. imma is a digital Instagram model with nearly 400,000 followers. Created by Tokyo-based company ModelingCafe Inc, she is admired for her exquisite looks and, besides Coach, has snagged endorsement deals with cosmetics company Kate and ice cream brand Magnum.
Denne historien er fra October 31, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 31, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
South Korea's defence ministry denies preferential treatment for BTS' V
South Korea's Ministry of National Defence has refuted claims that V, a member of K-pop boy band BTS, received preferential treatment while serving in the military.
K-actor Jung Woo-sung admits to fathering model Moon Ga-bi's child
South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, 51, admitted on Nov 24 that he is the father of South Korean model Moon Ga-bi's child.
Chuck Woolery was the first host of Wheel Of Fortune
Chuck Woolery (right), the affable host of Love Connection, Wheel Of Fortune and other television game shows in the United States, who later criticized liberal values and the US Democratic Party as the co-host of a popular right-wing podcast, died on Nov 23 at his home in Texas. He was 83.
Sole Singaporean contestant Yang Yan eliminated
Idol survival reality show Starlight Boys
Spotlight on two female-directed movies in India
Laapataa Ladies and All We Imagine As Light might have a shot at winning Academy Awards, a rare prospect for the country
For diamond shoppers, yet another choice to make – natural or man-made?
With Thanksgiving marking the unofficial start of engagement season - late November through Valentine's Day is when marriage proposals are common - ring buying is top of mind for many couples considering marriage.
Culture and cuisine in Hanoi
Visit the Vietnamese capital's Opera House and sample offerings from Michelin-starred chefs in Senses of Capella
BUDGET TIPS FOR FAMILY TRIPS
Going abroad? Here are five money-saving hacks for the holidays with your nearest and dearest
How the late Arthur Frommer inspired travellers to 'just do it'
In the 1980s, when I planned my first trip to Europe, I cannot remember which Frommer's travel guidebook I took along.
Tension, pressure, nerve, genius: At the chess c'ship, the wait is worth it
For all the flow of action, all sport involves varied acts of waiting. We wait for the goal in football, the shooter to fire between heartbeats, a snarling Rafael Nadal to uppercut the air in delight.
