AI vs humans: Influencers face competition from virtual models

An artificial intelligence generated image of Aitana Lopez the model displayed in a screen at the headquarters of The Clueless company in Barcelona. Influencer Aitana is not a real person, but an image produced by AI, and a new rival on the influencers' market. — AFP

Social media influencers have embraced artificial intelligence to spice up their content but they are also facing growing competition from AI-generated Instagramers, TikTokers and YouTubers.

Sporting pink hair and posing in lingerie, swimsuits or gym outfits, Aitana Lopez has more than 300,000 followers on Instagram where she is described as a "gamer at heart" and "fitness lover" – except she's not real.