Today there are estimated to be 2.7 billion online gamers worldwide with the revenue from digital gaming estimated to be in excess of $196 billion. And those gamers have created an Avatar to be their online digital persona.
Why it matters
Avatars have almost become another species of human. In their gaming state they are invincible and can be resurrected despite dying online. They allow us to be gods.
As humans evolve and start to inhabit parallel universes (our physical world and digital world) our social identities need digital faces and forms. Your real life persona that may be shy and retiring can take on a form that allows you to pursue your imagined and maybe more powerful and assertive or even aggressive alter ego.
Going deeper
Avatars arose from ancient Indian culture and myth. In Sanskrit, it was a hybrid word that was meant to convey “descent” and “to crossover.” To add to the depth of meaning it was also described in Hinduism as a “Deity.” A god.
In a blurring world that is a continuing social experiment we are seeing a crossover from a physical presence to a digital deity that can choose to be whatever is imagined.
We can categorize modern avatars into two categories. Digital avatars that have no inbuilt intelligence and AI Avatars that can evolve and learn from data and large language models and the application of neuroscience. .
Digital avatars
These modern Avatar’s emerged from the rise of online gaming in the 1980’s inspired by the creation of “Habitat” which was an early online role-playing game developed by Chip Morningstar and Randy Farmer in 1985 while they were working at Lucasfilm Games. Habitat was revolutionary for its time, providing a graphical interface where users could interact in a virtual world using avatars.
In an AI world we have taken the ancient form and given it a modern face. A digital representation of ourselves that can replace our physical form with a digital reincarnation as we start to play and crossover from a physical reality to a digital god that can live in another universe. We can all die but also rise again. Our “Online Avatar”
AI avatars
An AI avatar is a digital representation of a person or character, powered by artificial intelligence, capable of interacting with users through natural language processing, voice synthesis, and visual interfaces. These avatars can take the form of 2D or 3D models, ranging from simple icons in apps to highly realistic, animated characters in virtual worlds. AI avatars are used in various business applications, including customer service, virtual assistants, brand representation, and education.
They can automate repetitive tasks, provide real-time customer support, and scale business operations by delivering consistent, 24/7 engagement. AI avatars are also employed in entertainment and marketing, with virtual influencers like Lil Miquela gaining popularity on social media.
AI avatars are crucial for scaling interactions and processes without increasing human resources, making them highly valuable in industries focused on customer interaction and service.
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Why do people create avatars?
People are motivated to create online avatars for several reasons, each reflecting how they wish to interact with the digital world:
Identity expression
Avatars provide a way for users to express their identity, personality, and creativity. They can choose how to represent themselves, often in ways that might not be possible in the real world due to physical, geographical, or societal constraints.
Anonymity and privacy
Creating an avatar allows individuals to maintain privacy and anonymity online. It can be a protective layer that separates their real-life identity from their online activities, helping them to feel more secure in what they share and how they engage with others.
Social interaction
In virtual environments, avatars are the primary means of representation among peers. They allow individuals to engage in social interactions, participate in communities, and establish a social presence that can lead to friendships and networking opportunities.
Role-playing and escapism
Many people enjoy the ability to assume a different persona or role through their avatar, experiencing scenarios and lifestyles vastly different from their own. This can provide a form of escapism, allowing users to explore new experiences and narratives.
Professional and business opportunities
In professional settings, such as virtual meetings or conferences, avatars can help maintain a level of formality and personal branding. They can also be used in various industries, like gaming or social media, to create unique marketing and user engagement opportunities.
Accessibility and inclusivity
Avatars can make digital spaces more accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities or those who feel marginalized in physical settings. They can interact without the barriers they might face in the real world, potentially leading to a more empowering and engaging experience.
These motivations show how avatars are more than just digital characters; they are a crucial aspect of how people interact, work, and play in an increasingly virtual world.
The History and meaning of the word ‘Avatar’
The word avatar has its roots in Sanskrit, an ancient language of India. In Sanskrit, “avatāra” means “descent,” derived from ava (down) and tar (to cross or pass over).
In Hinduism, the term refers to the incarnation or manifestation of a “deity”, particularly Vishnu, who descends from the divine realm into the earthly realm to restore balance and protect the world.
In modern times, the word avatar has been adopted in technology and popular culture. It began to take on new meanings with the rise of the internet and virtual environments.
Today, an avatar typically refers to a graphical representation of a user in online forums, video games, or virtual worlds—an image or 3D character that acts as a stand-in for a person in a digital context. This metaphorical extension of the word aligns with its original meaning, as it symbolizes a person’s “descent” or representation in a different realm: the digital world.
In this sense, the modern usage maintains the core idea of manifestation or embodiment from its religious origins.
2 simple types of digital avatars
Digital Avatars have been with us since the 1990’s as the web started to take us online.
1. 2D avatars
My first digital avatar was a 2D avatar and created by a friend of mine who was an artist. It was a caricature that captured the essence of me. It is a bit cartoonish (fun) Sitting on a stack of books (learning and reading) with a laptop (digital creating and sharing) resting on my knees with a pencil behind my ear (writing). It still headlines my blog and podcast. It was the time of the rise of blogging and social media.
2D Avatars are flat, graphical representations often used as profile pictures, icons, or in simpler virtual environments. Common in early internet forums, social media platforms (e.g., Bitmoji), and basic video games, 2D avatars can be static or animated. They are primarily used for identification or basic customization.
Example of a 2D avatar: Bitmoji is a popular app that allows users to create personalized, cartoon-like 2D avatars that are often used on social media platforms like Snapchat. These avatars reflect the user’s facial features, expressions, and style in a flat, simplified form. Link: Bitmoji
2. 3D avatars
These are three-dimensional, fully interactive models that can be viewed and manipulated in virtual spaces. 3D avatars are prevalent in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and immersive video games like Fortnite and Second Life. They are highly customizable and can mirror real human movement, making them ideal for interactive virtual worlds and metaverse platforms.
Example of a 3D avatar: Second Life, an online virtual world, allows users to create 3D avatars and interact in a fully immersive environment. These avatars can be customized with clothing, accessories, and gestures. Link: Second Life
6 types of AI avatars
1. AI chatbot avatars
These avatars are text- or voice-based and used primarily for customer service or user interactions. Examples include Siri, Alexa, and various customer service bots. They may have a simple graphical representation or none at all but are powered by natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to user input.
Example of a chatbot avatar: Siri, Apple’s conversational AI assistant, is an example of an avatar that responds to voice commands and assists with tasks like setting reminders, sending messages, and answering questions. While Siri doesn’t have a visible “face,” it functions as an audio-based avatar. Link: Apple Siri
2. AI virtual assistant avatars
AI virtual assistant avatars are often paired with a visual interface that represents a human-like figure or icon. Virtual assistants like Google Assistant and AI-powered support avatars in websites help users complete tasks, answer questions, or provide guidance in various settings.
Example of a virtual assistant: Google Assistant is a conversational AI avatar that helps users navigate their devices, answer questions, and complete tasks through voice interaction. It often appears as an animated icon on smartphones and smart devices. Link: Google Assistant
3. AI deep fake avatars
These avatars use AI to create hyper-realistic digital replicas of real people or entirely fictional characters. Deep Fakes can imitate facial expressions, voices, and body language to a high degree of accuracy. While often used for entertainment or educational purposes, deep fakes also raise concerns about misinformation and ethical use.
Example of a deep fake Aaatar: Deep fake technology has been used to create hyper-realistic avatars of public figures. One prominent example is the deepfake of actor Tom Cruise, which was widely shared on social media and demonstrates the potential (and risks) of deep fake avatars.
4. AI virtual influencer avatars
Avatars like Lil Miquela are entirely AI-generated digital personas that exist on social media platforms. They post content, interact with followers, and even endorse brands, much like human influencers. These avatars blur the line between reality and virtual worlds, creating new possibilities for marketing, entertainment, and online personas.
Example of a virtual influencer: Lil Miquela is a virtual influencer with over 3 million followers on Instagram. She is a computer-generated avatar that posts fashion photos, interacts with followers, and partners with brands for campaigns. Link: Lil Miquela on Instagram
5. Personalized AI avatars in the Metaverse
In platforms like Decentraland or The Sandbox, users create highly personalized avatars that represent them in virtual worlds. These avatars can engage in social, economic, and creative activities within a persistent digital space. Users can customize their appearance, skills, and virtual possessions, making these avatars an extension of their identity in the metaverse.
Example of a Ppersonalized Metaverse avatar: Decentraland is a decentralized virtual world where users can create personalized avatars to explore, socialize, and trade virtual goods. These avatars can be customized with clothing, accessories, and NFT-based items. Link: Decentraland
6. AI business avatars
There is one more type of Avatar that can scale other more commercial oriented applications. AI Avatars that help companies with providing internal resources to help the humans scale their limited resources and external facing solutions that serve customers.
Internally: AI avatars optimize operations by handling repetitive tasks, providing real-time support to employees, and automating training and communication, freeing up human resources for strategic, high-priority tasks.
Externally: AI avatars enhance customer service by offering consistent, real-time, and 24/7 support, helping businesses serve more customers without scaling up human resources.
These examples show how AI avatars are used in many ways, from basic 2D icons to fully interactive 3D characters, as well as chat assistants, digital influencers, and business avatars that help boost human efficiency with AI.
The benefits and downsides of AI Avatars
Any technology is a double-edged sword. Social media promised connection and it has also delivered separation and division. It also allowed everyone to provide information globally and it has also scaled disinformation. These human designed algorithms often produce results that we never expected. AI is no different.
The benefits of AI Avatars
Amplifying our humanity is one benefit of AI Avatars. This includes scaling our minds and our creativity.
1. Personalized and immersive experiences
- AI avatars allow for hyper-personalized experiences in virtual worlds and social platforms, where users can create avatars that mirror or enhance their identities.
- Virtual customer service agents providing 24/7 assistance.
- Enhancing user engagement through tailored interactions (e.g., gaming, VR).
2. Cost-efficiency and automation
- AI avatars can automate various tasks such as customer support, onboarding, and virtual meetings, reducing the need for human intervention.
- Use of AI-generated influencers for brand marketing, lowering costs of traditional influencer management.
3. Accessibility and inclusion
- AI avatars can be programmed to communicate in multiple languages and accommodate different levels of accessibility, providing wider access to services.
- Allows people with disabilities or social anxiety to interact in virtual spaces in new ways.
4. Creative expression and flexibility
- Users can experiment with multiple identities and personas through AI avatars, fostering creativity and freedom in digital environments.
- Customization in entertainment and gaming sectors, allowing users to create fantasy characters or idealized versions of themselves.
The downsides of AI avatars
Deep fake avatars have allowed the bad actors to impersonate our humanity. It is becoming harder to detect the real from the unreal. It is being used in politics and in our creative media. These avatars tell us stories to misguide and misinform. It is being used to create stories that are meant to divide, confuse and create chaos.
1. Privacy and data security concerns
- The creation and use of AI avatars rely heavily on personal data, raising concerns about how this data is stored, used, and potentially exploited.
- Deepfakes and synthetic media could be used maliciously to impersonate individuals, leading to identity theft and fraud.
2. Ethical issues and manipulation
- AI avatars, especially deep fake avatars, blur the line between real and virtual, potentially leading to misinformation or manipulation in areas like politics and media.
- Virtual influencers might manipulate audiences by appearing more authentic or trustworthy than they are.
3. Job displacement
- Automation through AI avatars could displace jobs, particularly in industries like customer service, marketing, and entertainment.
- Rise of AI influencers may affect traditional human influencers and actors.
4. Depersonalization of interactions
- Replacing human interaction with AI avatars may reduce the emotional and social depth of interactions, leading to a sense of alienation or lack of authenticity.
- In professional settings, excessive reliance on AI avatars could result in impersonal experiences.
The bottom line
AI adoption is less than 2 years old as a technology that has escaped the lab and become pervasive and accessible to anyone with a computer or a smartphone. ChatGPT is now a consumer app on your mobile screen and as easy to use as the Google search box.
Social media became global and pervasive and was supercharged by being able to access it anytime and anywhere on our smartphones as it became addictive.
AI is now at the wild west stage that social media was just a few years ago. It is a high velocity technology with exciting innovations, easy to use and with very few rules. It answers questions and prompts in seconds and makes us look like a genius. That technology enabled superpower can also be addictive.
But we need to balance innovation with ethical considerations as AI avatars continue to evolve and integrate into society. While AI avatars offer numerous benefits, responsible use and careful regulation are key to ensuring they enhance human experiences rather than detract from them.
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