The Era of Virtual Influencers: Blurring the Lines Between Digital and Physical

In an increasingly digitized world, the boundary between what is "real" and what is virtual has become remarkably porous. Sarah Giusto, a talent manager and virtual human producer, highlights this shifting landscape through the success of her star client, Ima. As Giusto explains, Ima is a "fashionista that lives in Tokyo," complete with a younger brother named Zen, a dog named Einstein, and a penchant for yakitori. Despite her relatable social media presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Ima is a "fictional character made from 3D softwares," specifically a blend of "Amaya and Unreal Engine."

The Impact of Non-Existent Entities

Despite being a "virtual human made from CGI," Ima wields significant influence in the real world. Giusto emphasizes that these virtual humans are not mere mimics; they are original characters who actively participate in global discourse. Ima has used her platform to voice opinions on "climate change and Black Lives Matter," initiated community support during the isolation of COVID-19, and even been recognized as a "Forbes Woman of the Year."

Her influence extends into the corporate and political spheres as well. She has collaborated with major global brands like "Amazon, Porsche, BMW, and IKEA," and has been featured in prestigious publications such as "Harper's Bazaar and Vogue." These accomplishments prove that virtual humans can transcend their digital origins to affect real-world outcomes, such as advocating for victims of domestic violence in Cambodia.

The Psychology of Gen Z and Digital Connection

One of the most profound insights from Giusto is why this technology resonates so deeply with the younger generation. She notes that for Gen Z, there is "not much of a difference between someone that is real-life breathing" and a virtual human like Ima. This connection mirrors the parasocial relationships people form with real celebrities like Kylie Jenner. Even though followers know the hair is "not real" and the character doesn't exist, they feel a "real connection" because of the consistent, personal narrative shared online. Fans interact with these figures, share their own lives, and seek advice, proving that our need for emotional connection can be satisfied even when the recipient of that connection is technologically synthesized.

Moving Beyond Dystopian Narratives

Giusto acknowledges that this technology might "scare" some people, but she positions herself as a "human lover" who believes this innovation will "better our world." She contrasts the cold, functional utility of traditional AI—like asking Siri for the weather—with the potential for virtual humans to foster emotional relationships. By integrating AI to make these characters "autonomous," Giusto envisions a future where technology can mirror the depth of human relationships.

She argues that we are currently on "page one" of the history of virtual humans. Rather than getting "caught up in the topic of what's real and what's not real," Giusto encourages society to embrace the "possibilities for human connection and possibilities for human expression." By shifting our perspective, we can move away from a "dystopian narrative" and recognize that, much like human potential, the future of technology is "limitless."