When "virtual digital humans" are infinitely close to anthropomorphism, what impact will it have on our lives?

Introduction

At the frontier of innovation and technology, virtual digital humans are redefining the landscape of entertainment, marketing, and interactive services. This revolution, led by figures such as Tsinghua's Hua Zhibing and Douyin's Liu Yexi, spans from e-commerce to education, promising a market that could surpass 270 billion euros by 2030. With the advent of Web 3.0, these digital avatars offer more immersive and realistic experiences, signaling a shift towards a three-dimensional internet.

The Growing Market of Virtual Digital Humans

The virtual digital human industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Recent examples include the introduction of "Zoe" by Nestlé Hong Kong and Watsons' collaboration with virtual idol Imma. These initiatives not only highlight the diversity of applications for these digital beings but also their potential to revolutionize the way brands interact with their audience.

The Web 3.0 Era and the Importance of Virtual Humans

The transition to Web 3.0 marks a milestone in the evolution of the internet, transforming it from a primarily static and two-dimensional platform to an interactive and three-dimensional space. This new era of the internet is characterized by its focus on decentralization, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, offering more immersive and personalized experiences for users. Within this context, virtual humans emerge as key figures, serving as bridges between users and the advanced technologies that define Web 3.0.

Impact on Various Sectors

Virtual humans have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, from entertainment and advertising to education and health. For example, in the entertainment sector, they can act as virtual idols, offering concerts and online events that attract global audiences. In advertising, they serve as brand spokespeople, personalizing communication in ways that resonate better with consumers. Additionally, in education and health, they can function as tutors or virtual assistants, providing information and support in an interactive and accessible manner.

Fostering Interaction and Immersion

One of the main benefits of virtual humans in the Web 3.0 era is their ability to foster greater interaction and a more immersive experience for users. By offering interfaces that mimic human interaction, these digital avatars can make navigating the internet more intuitive and engaging, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional digital communication. Additionally, their use in virtual and augmented reality environments can significantly enrich the user experience, allowing for forms of entertainment and learning previously unimaginable.

Differentiating the Terms: Virtual Human, Digital Person, and Virtual Digital Human

The terminology around virtual humans can be confusing, given the rapid development and diversification of these concepts. Below, the key differences between virtual human, digital person, and virtual digital human are clarified to promote a clearer understanding of these terms.

Virtual Human

A virtual human refers to a computer-generated avatar or character that possesses human characteristics, such as appearance and the ability to perform actions similar to humans (e.g., speaking or gesturing). These characters are often used in digital entertainment, such as video games or social media platforms, where they can interact with users or among themselves. The key to a virtual human is its fictional identity; though it can mimic human behaviors, it does not possess consciousness or its own intelligence.

Digital Person

The term digital person is generally used to describe more realistic and detailed digital representations of humans, often based on real people. These representations can include hyperrealistic 3D models used in movies, advertising, or simulations. Unlike virtual humans, which are often designed for completely digital environments, digital people can be used to create more accurate and realistic simulations of individuals in virtual settings, enhancing the authenticity and realism of digital experiences.

Virtual Digital Human

This term combines aspects of virtual humans and digital people, referring to digital entities that not only mimic the appearance and behavior of humans but also incorporate elements of artificial intelligence to interact in more sophisticated and autonomous ways with users or among themselves. Virtual digital humans can learn from interactions, adapt to different contexts, and, in some cases, simulate human conversations and emotions, offering an additional layer of interaction and personalization in the digital environment.

These distinctions reflect the continuous evolution of technology and design in creating digital entities that enrich our interaction with the digital world, highlighting the increasingly important role these avatars will play in the Web 3.0 era.

Case Study: Sichuan CHUAN and the Impact of Digital Humans

The case of Sichuan CHUAN exemplifies the potential and versatility of digital humans in contemporary interaction between technology and culture. Sichuan CHUAN, a hyper-realistic digital human, stands out not only for its convincing appearance but also for its ability to interact complexly within digital environments. In May 2022, Sichuan CHUAN made history by launching "Chua's World," becoming the first digital human to present a single entirely produced by artificial intelligence.

Cultural and Technological Impact

The creation of Sichuan CHUAN represents a significant advancement in the convergence between artificial intelligence and digital creativity. This digital human is not only a testament to current technical capabilities but also raises questions about the future of creativity and artistic production. Capable of generating musical content autonomously, Sichuan CHUAN challenges traditional notions of authorship and creativity, suggesting a new paradigm in which artificial intelligence can collaborate with humans to create art.

Influence on the Entertainment Industry

Sichuan CHUAN's success also signals a transformation in the entertainment industry, where digital humans can act as artists, influencers, and even brand spokespeople. This evolution promises not only new forms of content but also innovative models of audience interaction and engagement. Digital humans like Sichuan CHUAN offer unique opportunities to experiment with identities and narratives, opening new avenues for artistic and commercial expression.

Future Perspectives and Challenges

As we move into the Web 3.0 era, virtual digital humans are poised to play increasingly significant roles in our daily lives. However, this promising future comes with significant challenges and considerations.

Innovative Opportunities

The prospects for virtual digital humans are vast, extending beyond entertainment and advertising into education, health, and other sectors. For example, in the educational realm, they can offer personalized and accessible teaching methods. In health, they can facilitate patient care in innovative ways. These applications promise to enhance accessibility and efficiency, providing personalized services on a previously unattainable scale.

Ethical and Technical Challenges

However, integrating virtual digital humans into society also poses significant ethical and technical challenges. Authenticity, privacy, and data security become paramount concerns, especially as these avatars become more indistinguishable from real humans. Additionally, managing the interaction between humans and digital avatars requires careful consideration to avoid misunderstandings and ensure positive interactions.

The Path to Social Acceptance Social

Acceptance of virtual digital humans is another critical challenge. As these avatars become more prevalent in our lives, questions will arise about the ethics of their use, technological dependency, and the impact on employment and social relationships. Transparency in development and implementation, along with public education about the benefits and limitations of these avatars, will be key to their successful integration into society.

In conclusion, the future of virtual digital humans is bright and full of possibilities, but navigating their integration into society will require a balanced approach that considers both innovative opportunities and ethical and technical challenges. Collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and the public will be essential to ensure that the impact of digital humans is positive and enriching for society.

Conclusions: Towards a New Digital Horizon

Virtual digital humans represent more than a technological trend; they are the beginning of a cultural and social transformation. As we enter a new digital era, their continued development will influence how we interact, work, and entertain ourselves in the vast world of Web 3.0.