Written by Cassie, 2021 Cohort
Lil Miquela is a 19-year-old Brazilian-American model, music artist and internet celebrity with over a million Instagram followers. Not long after her debut, she quickly rose to prominence as a singer, actress, model, and Internet influencer. In 2018, she was named one of Time magazine’s “Most Influential People on the Web” of the year.
While you are exclaiming that Lil Miquela has accomplished so much at such a young age, I might shatter your fond illusion because she is actually computer-generated. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have an emotional connection to the real world. On the contrary, she has her own world views on the Internet, such as supporting black rights and having publicly expressed her disgust with Donald Trump.
How to define her?
Although digital people like Lil Miquela are computer-generated, they are not robots. They are called virtual influencers or CGI influencers. In other words, they are fictional ‘people’ who display realistic characteristics, features and personality traits of humans.
Why are there virtual influencers?
Technological progress is an important step forward for the creation and development of virtual influencers, such as 3D modelling technology, sound technology, and holographic imaging technology, all of which provide the necessary material conditions for building virtual celebrities. In addition, the development of double-dual culture also provides a broad market for this trend. Some media believe that the popularity of virtual influencers is due to their persona not collapsing and lack of possible scandal, which satisfies people’s superiority complex.
Technology does not directly produce content, but it can stimulate countless new possibilities. Let’s wait and see if virtual idols will replace traditional idols in the future.