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Unfolding Stories
'New world order': Asia's virtual influencers offer metaverse glimpse
With neon hair and flawless skin, Bangkok Naughty Boo is one of a new generation of influencers in Asia promising to stay forever young, on-trend, and scandal-free -- because they are computer generated.
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This photo taken on October 15, 2021 shows Thai artist Adisak 'Beam' Jirasakkasem taking pictures of a stand-in model for his newly launched virtual influencer Bangkok Naughty Boo, for a fashion campaign at Siam Center shopping mall, in Bangkok. (AFP/Lillian Suwanrumpha)
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porting neon hair and flawless skin, Bangkok Naughty Boo is one of a new generation of influencers in Asia promising to stay forever young, on-trend, and scandal-free -- because they are computer generated.
Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, these stars are hugely popular with teenagers in the region and will yield increasing power as interest grows in the "metaverse", industry experts say.
"I'm 17 forever, non-binary, with a dream of becoming a pop star," Bangkok Naughty Boo -- who uses they/them pronouns -- said in an introductory video sent to AFP.
Created by fashion designer Adisak Jirasakkasem and his friends, who envisioned a gender-fluid persona to hang the ideals of the artist community, the character is one of a tribe of "Made in Thailand" virtual influencers borne from COVID-19 pressures.
In September, Ai-Ailynn made her debut -- she was created after her agency became frustrated by the "limitations on human influencers" during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Virtual influencers "are suitable for the new normal," SIA Bangkok told AFP.
Artificial intelligence creations are establishing a foothold worldwide in the lucrative influencer market, which is expected to be worth $13.8 billion in 2021, according to data giant Statista.
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