The Rise of Deepfake Influencers

The use of AI to create simulated influencers is advancing rapidly in both China and the West. But, the applications and cultural attitudes differ significantly between the two.

In China, companies like Silicon Intelligence are deploying deepfake influencers primarily for non-stop e-commerce live streaming... why use real people when you can have virtual unicorns selling you stuff 24/7. Chinese consumers readily accept these AI hosts as marketers, as long as they deliver value through personalized recommendations or discounts.

Basically, in China we accept it because it just makes sense. - if the AI avatar provides a service, its lack of realness/authenticity doesn't really matter. As long as it works and makes life more convenient, adoption spreads quickly regardless of controversies elsewhere. Additionally, Chinese consumers already rely heavily on influencers and livestreaming for purchases. The ecosystem and habits are firmly established, making it natural to integrate AI into the mix.

In contrast, livestream shopping still is new in much of the world. Adopting deepfake hosts seems an unnecessary risk when the activity itself lacks appeal currently. So in the Western world, companies like Meta use AI celebrity "look-alikes" mostly for fun and interaction, not for selling products. Their goal seems less about hawking products and more about capturing user attention through false intimacy with famous faces. Meta's chatbots aim to create some "fun" and "familiarity" through what is really an illusion of reality.

Culturally, Western users view influencers more as entertainment personalities to "socially" bond with. The desire for "authenticity" makes deepfakes unsettling, even if illogical. This contrasts with Chinese indifference to artificial marketers, and explains why Western platforms limit AI personas to chatting rather than sales - but for how long?

But like everything in AI, it is both exciting and concerning at the same time.

As this technology spreads globally, profound questions emerge around transparency, economics, and social impact. On one hand, those 24/7 simulated influencers expand choice and opportunity. Virtual assistants could interact with users worldwide in their own languages and cultural contexts.

And democratizing access to celebrity personas that seem "real" can brings joy to many fans.

However, there are significant risks if development goes unchecked. Deepfakes may displace real creative work and incomes. Also, they enable large-scale deception if not disclosed. Jobs may be lost to automation. Tech giants could further concentrate power through data and scale. And false connections isolate people, from authentic human relationships.

To earn trust, Generated AI Deep fake content must be labeled clearly. Policies need updating to encourage innovation but also protect consumers facing AI-generated content as such.

Simulated deep fake influencers could complement real influencers, not supplant them. "Even a simulation like can enrich reality."

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.