“Creators of AI Thirst Traps Declare They’re Often Misconstrued – All in Good Fun!”

“These AI Thirst Trap Creators Say They’re Misunderstood”

“In a room full of celebrities at this year’s Met Gala, an event that’s all about fashion as spectacle, the influencers who really stood out were not the Kardashians or a Jenner. They were CGI. Shudu, the world’s first digital supermodel, and her fellow digital influencer, Noonoouri, who has worked with brands like Dior and Swarovski, were represented on the red carpet.”

Harnessing the power of digitization, 2021’s Met Gala saw its shimmering, glitzy red carpet graced by influencers of an unconventional sort. High-ranking social butterflies like the Kardashians or Jenner clan were upstaged by digitally constructed entities, including Shudu, often recognized as the world’s debut digital supermodel and Noonoouri, a virtual influencer having an accomplished portfolio that boasts collaborations with luxe brands such as Dior and Swarovski.

Rolling out an e-quivalent of the red carpet, Shudu and Noonoouri are digital embodiments of what pioneering progress in digital innovation and social media viral trends look like. Deprived of physicality, these influencers not only exist but remarkably have the ability to overshadow celebrities festooned in flesh and couture. The virtual influencer space is certainly not for the uninitiated, and only those keeping up with relentless technological advancements can survive – and thrive.

While it might initially seem absurd, or for the less tech-initiated, a little dystopian even, this move towards non-human influencers within the middle of a human-driven industry no doubt marks a massive shift. What we’re observing is that social media, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence, has the power to revolutionize how we think of influence and popularity. These multiple terabytes personages can not only generate massive buzz but also substantial revenue – a dream for any marketer. And the kicker? They don’t even need to catch their breath between posts.

However, one must consider the potential implications of understanding this digital revolution. The hard line that separates the real and the virtual is slowly blurring. One could argue that promoting online ‘influencers’ who can’t wear tangible clothes, can’t eat real food, and can’t enjoy sunset views brings forth the question of authenticity. By allowing CGI influencers to lead the charge on the red carpet, are we stepping away from reality and into an abstract idea of perfection that could, over time, become unachievable?

Despite these philosophical conundrums, the presence of these digital influencers undeniably forces us to rethink what ‘influence’ means to us. It challenges our conventions and redefines the way we interpret authority within the realm of social media and beyond.

So, perhaps in the future, the glittering red carpet will become virtual, the popping champagne will be code, and the coveted invitations will be purely digital. After all, the new catchphrase of the glitzy, glamorous world should be fittingly millennial – ‘Have Wi-Fi, will influence.’ The times, they are a-changing, and indeed at a rather vertiginous pace!

Read the original article here: https://www.wired.com/story/gay-ai-instagram-influencers-red-carpet/