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AI-created “virtual influencers” are stealing business from humans
(arstechnica.com)
This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.
Let's define "stealing" and "business" here.
Influencers don't produce anything, nor do they add intrinsic value to products they promote. Not much business to that if you ask me.
They do already compete fiercely for brands' atention so every successful influencer by definition has "stolen" potential income from others.
If you want to split hairs, influencers' work is creating an idealised image that they project to peddle products. If AI can outmatch them in that regard, I see no problem with that.
The only problem I have with that is the notion that a company gets to consolidate funds that were previously going to an actual real person. Now, if we could rely on big business to pass on those savings to their customers and employees, that would be one thing. But we can't.
Gimme my money for nothing, and comps for free. (Paraphrased)
At least move those microwave ovens, refrigerators and colour tee-vees to earn your wage.
Got some installed LLM models, custom skins, simulated memories
We've got your convo... generated
(We've got artificial personalities)