The Rise of AI Influencers: A New Era in Social Media

Sat Dec 27 2025 14:24:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As AI technology advances, digital creators are leveraging it to craft virtual influencers that mimic real human interaction, raising questions about authenticity and the future of traditional social media influencers.

The emergence of AI influencers like Gigi, created by Simone McKenzie, is reshaping the landscape of social media, allowing creators to generate content quickly and enhance virality. This trend poses challenges to traditional influencers who rely on genuine personal experiences. Experts discuss the implications of AI-generated content on audience perception, digital culture, and the influencer economy.

The Rise of AI Influencers: A New Era in Social Media

In an increasingly digital world, the emergence of AI influencers raises questions about authenticity and the future of traditional social media figures. Notably, Gigi, an AI creation by University of Illinois student Simone McKenzie, is part of this trend, showcasing a blend of technology and creativity that is captivating the online audience.

Gigi’s videos are reminiscent of typical social media content; she engages with viewers through relatable scenarios such as skincare routines and food challenges. However, the twist is that Gigi is not a real person—she is a product of advanced AI technology, designed to push the boundaries of creativity on platforms like TikTok.

Simone McKenzie, 21, tapped into the AI revolution to generate her content quickly and efficiently. She revealed that constructing videos can yield significant financial rewards, with one of her projects earning her $1,600 in just four days. This has made the concept of 'AI slop'—a term coined by critics—an avenue of opportunity for many digital creators.

Experts suggest that this trend could disrupt the influencer economy, traditionally valued at over $250 billion, as AI creators can produce content effortlessly compared to human influencers who spend hours on production. McKenzie explained how this technology allows her to bypass the logistical hurdles faced by many aspiring influencers, such as financial limitations and production setups.

While some critics argue that AI is diminishing the unique human element of social media, others perceive its potential to democratize fame online. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, it raises crucial questions about reality in digital media. Experts like Jessa Lingel from the University of Pennsylvania point out that these developments may lead to increased misinformation and authenticity issues.

Traditional influencers like Kaaviya Sambasivam, who has built her career through personal storytelling and genuine interactions, face new challenges as AI influencers proliferate. Sambasivam highlights the difference in production capabilities, posing the question of how authentic human content can compete with the speed and creativity of AI-generated material.

The rapid development in AI technology allows creators to generate hyper-realistic videos that can stir fascination and disbelief among audiences. These playful, imaginative constructs, whether they resonate as absurd or authentic, embody a new facet of social media culture that might soon prove indispensable in shaping digital interactions.

As more creators adopt AI tools like Google’s Veo 3 to design their personas and narratives, the landscape of social media continues to evolve, challenging the understanding of what it means to connect and entertain in a digital age.