AI “content creators” are becoming increasingly difficult to detect

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At first, AI influencers were relatively easy to identify – and ignore. Aside from the occasional burst of hype, not much seemed to change in the way social media worked. The first virtual influencers—Lil Miquela with her blunt bangs and freckles, Imma with her bubblegum pink bob, and Shudu Gram with her flawless complexion—were obviously digital productions. Collaborations were announced with great fanfare. The entries required studios, money, coordination and a lot of polish.

Over time, I’ve noticed that the fake people on my timeline look more and more like everyone else on it. Characters like Emily Pellegrini and Aitana Lopez moved a little closer to reality – or at least to the reality of this well-traveled…