What's Happening?
Simone Mckenzie, a 21-year-old student from the University of Illinois, has created an AI-generated influencer named Gigi using Google's Veo 3 chatbot. This AI influencer is part of a growing trend where digital creators use AI to produce content quickly and efficiently. Gigi, who appears in videos performing various activities, has gained millions of views, allowing Mckenzie to earn significant income through platforms like TikTok. This trend, referred to as 'AI slop' by some, is reshaping the influencer economy by enabling creators to bypass traditional content creation constraints such as time, money, and resources. Experts suggest that this could democratize fame online, allowing those without access to expensive equipment or setups to achieve
viral success.
Why It's Important?
The rise of AI-generated influencers like Gigi poses a significant challenge to traditional social media influencers. The ability to create content rapidly and at a lower cost could potentially disrupt the $250 billion influencer industry. Traditional influencers, who invest time and resources into creating content, may find it difficult to compete with AI's efficiency. This shift could lead to a reevaluation of what constitutes authenticity and creativity in digital content. Additionally, the democratization of content creation could lead to a more diverse range of voices and perspectives gaining prominence online, altering the dynamics of social media influence.
