Levi's has recently announced a partnership with Amsterdam-based digital model studio Lalaland.ai to create computer-generated fashion models to "supplement human models" in their advertising campaigns. The company claims that this move is part of their "digital transformation journey" of diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability. However, some have criticized the move as a way to generate diversity without having to pay human models. The partnership between Levi's and Lalaland.ai will create hyper-realistic models "of every body type, age, size, and skin tone" that customers can use to see how various fashion items would look like on a person who looks like them. Levi's has stated that "AI will likely never fully replace human models for us," but the move has raised concerns that this could be a first step towards automating the industry. The development of virtual humans is part of a broader trend in the rise of virtual influencers (VIs), which are digital characters designed to look and act like real people. Unlike traditional social media influencers, virtual influencers are entirely digital creations, and they are gaining popularity because they are often designed to appeal to a specific demographic or target audience, making them more authentic and relatable than traditional advertising. Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer graphics have made it possible to create more lifelike and engaging virtual humans. The potential applications of virtual humans are vast, from customer service representatives, personal shopping assistants, and virtual companions, to virtual performers in the entertainment industry and virtual doctors and nurses in the healthcare industry. However, the rise of virtual humans also raises important ethical considerations. Who owns the creative rights to virtual humans, and who has the right to profit from their use? As virtual humans become more realistic and engaging, it will become increasingly difficult to distinguish them from real humans, which could lead to issues around identity theft and privacy. In conclusion, Levi's partnership with Lalaland.ai is just the latest example of how virtual humans are transforming the fashion industry and beyond. While the potential benefits of virtual humans are significant, there are also important ethical considerations that must be addressed as the technology continues to advance. Sources: Levi’s Announces AI-Generated Models to Supplement Human Models in Advertising Campaigns. (2021, April 7). Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/levis-announces-ai-generated-models-to-supplement-human-models-in-advertising-campaigns-301261890.html What Are Virtual Influencers? (2021, April 12). Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.business2community.com/social-media/what-are-virtual-influencers-02252090