China’s Foray into AI-driven “Digital Humans”
Before the advent of ChatGPT, research institutions and IT companies in China had been diligently working to develop AI entities modeled after human beings, known as “Digital Humans.” Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, made headlines in 2021 by enrolling an AI “female college student,” demonstrating the country’s commitment to integrating AI into educational spheres.
This AI, boasting the intellectual capacity akin to a six-year-old, was equipped not only with a student ID but also with the ability to learn from text, images, and videos. Similarly, a female AI named AYAYI, developed by e-commerce behemoth Alibaba Group, distinguished herself as China’s inaugural AI influencer, forging partnerships with over 30 luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton and Burberry.
The Rise of AI Talents in Entertainment
Japan recently garnered attention for introducing a virtual talent created by generative AI in a television commercial by Ito En in 2023. In contrast, China has been employing AI talents for several years, utilizing more advanced technology. These digital entities are becoming popular as they embody the nation’s desire to embrace cutting-edge technologies while also providing a potent means to showcase technological prowess.
Cultural experts point out that in contrast to Japan, where human touch is often preferred for quality service, Chinese consumers have a higher acceptance of services delivered by robots and AI, possibly due to perceived uniformity in service quality. The proliferation of live commerce in China has significantly propelled the social implementation of digital humans.
Cost-Effective AI Livestreamers
These AI entities, capable of working tirelessly to promote products, have become a formidable tool in the world of live commerce. Although current AI livestreamers may not engage in two-way interactions, projections suggest that within three to five years, they could match human skills.
Moreover, some AI livestreamers have successfully monetized their platforms by targeting specific demographics, like middle-aged men. Sophisticated AI influencers, donning appealing attires, have managed to amass followers in the hundreds of thousands—and even millions—despite the unidirectional nature of their interactions.
Regardless of the simplicity of the items they promote, such as lighters and slippers, these digital celebrities have been profitable due to substantial commissions on sales and lower return rates compared to apparel items. A digital human identifying as a single mother from the 1980s has reportedly achieved monthly sales ranging from five to ten million yen.
With tech giants like JD.com continuing to advance AI personalities like Liu Qiangdong in the live commerce sphere, the day may not be far when AI could replace human influencers, especially in domains where appearance matters more to the audience than the personal touch of a human presence.
Key Questions:
1. What are the socio-cultural implications of the rise of AI personalities in China?
In China’s digital landscape, AI personalities reflect a societal comfort with, and fascination for, technological innovation. This reflects a broader acceptance of non-human interactions, potentially influencing social norms and consumer behavior. The cultural impact could be significant, as digital humans may influence popular culture, change the perception of human-machine relationships, and impact employment in sectors like entertainment and e-commerce.
2. How is China regulating AI and its impact on society?
As AI entities grow prevalent, regulatory challenges include ensuring privacy, preventing misinformation, and maintaining ethical standards. China has announced regulations for deepfake technology and AI to protect against abuses, but continual oversight is necessary.
3. How do AI personalities in China compare to those in other countries?
While digital humans are emerging worldwide, the Chinese market displays a unique blend of high consumer acceptance and state-supported technological growth. Countries like the US, Japan, and South Korea have their variations, with cultural nuances shaping AI personalities’ roles.
4. What are the technical limitations and challenges in creating AI personalities?
Technical challenges include achieving natural language processing, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and the ability to conduct two-way interactions. There’s also the constant pursuit to make these entities more life-like without unsettling users (avoiding the “uncanny valley” phenomenon).
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
– 24/7 Availability: AI entities can work continuously without rest, offering constant engagement and service.
– Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike human influencers, AI does not require salaries or benefits, and can scale without additional costs.
– Consistency in Quality: AI representatives provide reliable and uniform quality of service or presentation, which can be particularly favorable in customer service contexts.
Disadvantages:
– Lack of Empathy: AI cannot truly empathize with human experiences, making them less suitable for contexts where emotional intelligence is crucial.
– Job Displacement: The rise of AI personalities might lead to job losses in the entertainment, customer service, and e-commerce sectors among others.
– Ethical and Privacy Concerns: The development of AI that mimics humans raises ethical questions regarding identity, privacy, and security, especially as AI might collect and utilize personal data for personalized interactions.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
– The potential displacement of human jobs by AI personalities is a significant economic and social issue.
– Safeguarding privacy and preventing data misuse as AI entities might have access to large amounts of personal information.
– The ethical implications of creating digital entities that simulate human behaviors and the potential consequences on human interactions and societal norms.
Links to related main domains for further information can include:
– Tsinghua University
– Alibaba Group
– JD.com
Please note that the provided URLs lead to the main pages of the institutions mentioned in the article and are valid as per the current date. The links may be subject to change by the respective website owners.
The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com