The rise of AI is about to shake up the entertainment industry, and this time, it's the influencers who are feeling the heat. But is this disruption a blessing or a curse? The debate is fierce and the implications are massive.
The Sora 2 phenomenon has everyone talking. This AI-generated content is taking social media by storm, leaving many to wonder: What's next for the influencers whose livelihoods depend on creating videos? When AI can produce stunning visuals with ease, will the human touch become obsolete?
For influencers, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, AI automation offers a powerful tool to enhance their content creation. But the very skill that made them stand out—shooting and editing videos—is now accessible to the masses. And that's a scary thought for those who built their careers on it.
Artists are raising the alarm. Sam Yang, a Toronto-based artist with a massive online following, has been vocal about the dark side of generative AI. He argues that artists' copyrighted work is being exploited to train AI, resulting in copyright infringement, reputation damage, and even fraud. A valid concern, as AI's ability to replicate and generate content is unprecedented.
Model and activist Sinead Bovell adds another layer to this debate. She points out the ethical dilemma of AI-generated models, questioning whether the real human models are being compensated for their likeness and hard work. As AI becomes more prevalent, will the line between real and virtual become blurred to the point of exploitation?
An investigation by The Atlantic confirmed these fears. AI models have been trained on a vast number of how-to videos from influencers, making it possible for anyone to replicate their skills and content. This raises questions about intellectual property and the value of human expertise.
But AI supporters argue that this shift will force influencers to focus on what makes them truly unique: their relatability and personal style. Virtual influencers, like Aitana López and Lil Miquela, have already shown that AI-generated characters can coexist with human influencers, each bringing their own flair.
AI's impact will be significant. It will undoubtedly increase competition and potentially dilute the market. However, it may also push human influencers to embrace their individuality and creativity, aspects that AI struggles to replicate.
The future of the influencer world is at a crossroads. Will AI be a tool for innovation and collaboration, or a threat to the human element that made it so captivating? The answer may lie in how influencers adapt and the choices they make. And that's a story worth following.
