The Rise of Virtual Humans — and What They Mean for the Future | Sara Giusto | TED

Summary

Sara, a talent manager, introduces Imma, a virtual human created with CGI in 2017. Imma, a fashion-forward Tokyoite with a social media presence, engages with her audience on real-world issues like climate change and social justice. Despite her virtual nature, Imma has been recognized with awards, featured in campaigns with major brands, and even graced magazine covers. Sara emphasizes the emotional connection Gen Z feels with Imma, blurring the line between reality and virtuality. She envisions a future where virtual humans enhance human connection and self-expression, with Imma being just the beginning.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Sara is a talent manager for virtual humans, including Imma, a CGI-created fashionista from Tokyo.
• 👥 Imma has a virtual brother named Zinn and a pet dog named Einstein, indicating a richly detailed virtual life.
• 📱 Imma is active on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, showcasing a digital presence.
• 🎨 Imma was created using a blend of 3D softwares such as Maya and Unreal Engine, highlighting the technical artistry behind her creation.
• 🌟 Imma's virtual presence has led to real-world recognition, including being chosen as one of Forbes Woman of the Year.
• 🏆 Imma has been involved in significant real-world campaigns and collaborations, such as with Amazon, Porsche, and Coach.
• 📰 She has been featured in prominent magazines and even appeared in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics closing ceremony.
• 🌍 Imma's influence extends to advocating for real-world issues like climate change and domestic violence in Cambodia.
• 🤖 The integration of AI is being explored to make virtual humans autonomous and capable of conversation.
• 🔮 The potential of virtual humans to positively impact various industries and deepen human-technology connections is emphasized.

Q & A

What is Sara's profession?

Sara is a talent manager who manages virtual humans.

Who is Imma and what is she known for?

Imma is a virtual human created with CGI, known for her fashionista persona and social media presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X.

What software is used to create Imma?

Imma is created using a blend of 3D softwares such as Maya, Unreal Engine, and others.

What is unique about Imma's character?

Imma is an original character and not a mimic or copy of anyone existing in real life.

How does Imma interact with her virtual brother Zinn?

Imma often gets into fights with her virtual brother Zinn, which is part of her virtual life narrative.

What is Imma's favorite food?

Imma's favorite food is yakitori.

How does Imma engage with real-world issues?

Imma shares her opinions on real-world issues like climate change and Black Lives Matter, and she initiated a virtual community get-together during COVID-19.

What recognition has Imma received?

Imma was chosen as one of the Forbes Woman of the Year, featured in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics closing ceremony, and received an award from the Government of Japan for her advocacy on domestic violence issues in Cambodia.

Which brands has Imma collaborated with?

Imma has worked with brands such as Amazon, Porsche, BMW, SK-II, IKEA, and Coach.

How does Imma's virtual existence impact the real world?

Imma's virtual existence impacts the real world through her influence on social media, brand collaborations, and raising awareness on social issues.

What does Sara envision for the future of virtual humans?

Sara envisions a future where virtual humans are integrated with AI to become autonomous, allowing for conversations and deeper connections with people.

How does Sara believe virtual human technology can enhance human life?

Sara believes virtual human technology can enhance human life by creating deeper connections, improving self-expression, and positively impacting various industries.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Virtual Influencer: Imma's World

Sara introduces herself as a talent manager for a virtual human named Imma, a CGI-created fashionista based in Tokyo. Imma is active on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, sharing her life and outfits. Despite having a virtual brother and a dog, Imma is entirely fictional, created using software like Maya and Unreal Engine. Sara discusses Imma's social media presence, including humorous posts about her virtual existence. Imma's impact on real-world issues is highlighted, including her advocacy for climate change and Black Lives Matter, as well as her community-building during COVID-19. Imma's recognition, such as being chosen as one of Forbes Woman of the Year, is mentioned. Sara also talks about Imma's collaborations with brands like Amazon, Porsche, and Coach, and her appearances in magazines and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics closing ceremony.

05:01

💬 The Connection Between Virtual and Reality

The script delves into the public's fascination with Imma's virtual presence, including questions about her hair and life. It discusses the blurred lines between what is real and virtual on social media platforms. Sara, the talent manager, assures the audience that virtual human technology is meant to enhance human connection and self-expression, rather than to instill fear. She shares her background as an artist and her personal journey of finding beauty and meaning in Imma. The narrative suggests that technology can be personal and emotionally engaging, not just functional. Sara envisions a future where virtual humans positively impact various industries and foster deep connections between humans and technology. The segment concludes with a live interaction with Imma, who invites the audience to connect with her, emphasizing the human-like qualities of virtual beings.

10:04

🚀 Embracing the Potential of Virtual Humanity

In the final paragraph, Sara concludes her talk by encouraging the audience to look beyond the dichotomy of what is real and what is not. She advocates for an embrace of the limitless possibilities that virtual technology offers for human connection and expression. The message is that human potential, much like technology, knows no bounds, and the integration of virtual humans into our world is just the beginning of an exciting journey.

Keywords

💡Talent Manager

A talent manager is a professional who oversees the career development of artists, performers, or other creative individuals. In the context of the video, Sara, the talent manager, oversees the virtual human 'imma', indicating a shift in how talent is managed in the digital age. The role extends to virtual beings, showcasing the evolving nature of talent management.

💡Virtual Human

A virtual human refers to a computer-generated character that simulates human likeness and behavior. In the video, 'imma' is a virtual human created using CGI, representing a new form of digital identity. The concept challenges traditional notions of identity and existence in the digital realm.

💡CGI

CGI stands for Computer-Generated Imagery, a technique used to create digital visual effects in films, video games, and other media. The video mentions that 'imma' is made from CGI, born in 2017, highlighting the advanced state of digital character creation and its application in creating virtual personalities.

💡3D Software

3D software refers to computer programs used to create three-dimensional models and animations. The video mentions softwares like Maya and Unreal Engine in creating 'imma', emphasizing the technical tools behind the creation of virtual humans and their realistic appearances.

💡Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms are online services where users can create and share content or participate in social networking. 'Imma' posts on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, illustrating how virtual humans engage with audiences and mimic real-life social interactions.

💡AI Integration

AI integration refers to the process of combining artificial intelligence with other systems to enhance their capabilities. The video discusses integrating AI with virtual humans to make them autonomous, allowing for interactive conversations. This concept represents the future of virtual human interaction.

💡Real-world Issues

Real-world issues are societal problems or global concerns that affect people's lives. 'Imma' shares her opinions on issues like climate change and Black Lives Matter, demonstrating the influence virtual humans can have on raising awareness and engaging with social causes.

💡Forbes Woman of the Year

Forbes Woman of the Year is an accolade given to influential women. 'Imma' was chosen as one, alongside figures like Greta Thunberg and Michelle Obama, indicating the recognition of virtual humans in mainstream accolades and their impact on society.

💡Brand Campaigns

Brand campaigns are marketing efforts by companies to promote their products or services. 'Imma' has worked with brands like Amazon, Porsche, and Coach, showing how virtual humans are incorporated into advertising and marketing strategies.

💡Gen Z

Gen Z refers to the generation born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. The video mentions that Gen Z feels a real connection to 'imma', highlighting how this demographic engages with virtual humans and the potential for virtual influencers among younger audiences.

💡Human Connection

Human connection refers to the emotional or social bonds between people. The video emphasizes the importance of human connection in the context of technology, suggesting that virtual humans can foster relationships and emotional connections similar to those with real people.

Highlights

Sara introduces herself as a talent manager for a virtual human named imma.

Imma is a virtual fashionista living in Tokyo, active on social media platforms.

Imma has a virtual brother named Zinn and a dog named Einstein.

Imma's favorite food is yakitori, and she attends fashion shows virtually.

Imma is a CGI creation, born in 2017, and is not based on any real person.

Imma is created using a blend of softwares like Maya and Unreal Engine.

Imma's Instagram posts show her virtual life, including brushing her teeth and questioning her virtual haircut.

Imma's virtual brother Zinn is also not real, managed by the same talent agency.

The talent agency manages dozens of virtual humans worldwide.

Imma is being integrated with AI to become an autonomous virtual human.

Imma has shared her opinions on real-world issues like climate change and Black Lives Matter.

Imma initiated a virtual community get-together during COVID for those feeling lonely.

Imma was chosen as one of Forbes Woman of the Year alongside notable figures like Greta Thunberg and Michelle Obama.

Imma has been featured in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics closing ceremony.

Imma has worked with brands like Amazon, Porsche, BMW, SK-II, IKEA, and Coach.

Imma appears on magazine covers like Harper's Bazaar, Voce, and Wonderland.

Gen Z feels a real connection to imma despite her being virtual.

People interact with imma, sharing their lives and seeking her advice.

Sara, the talent manager, believes virtual human technology will enhance human connection and self-expression.

Imma appears live on stage, showcasing the potential of virtual human interaction.

Sara concludes by emphasizing the limitless possibilities of human connection and expression through technology.

Transcripts

Hi everyone.

I’m Sara, and I’m a talent manager.

Who do I manage?

A girl named imma.

She's a fashionista that lives in Tokyo.

She posts about her life and her outfits

on social media platforms like Instagram,

TikTok and X.

She has a younger brother named Zinn

that she always gets in a fight with,

a little dog named Einstein that she takes for walks.

Her favorite food is yakitori,

and she sits first row at fashion shows and dances to TikTok videos.

Yep, just a normal girl online.

Except she doesn't exist.

She’s a virtual human, made from CGI, born in 2017.

In other words,

she's a fictional character made from 3D softwares,

a unique blend of softwares like Maya

and Unreal Engine and a bit more.

She's not a mimic or copy of anyone that's existing in real life.

She's a complete original character.

These are some of her Instagram posts.

The middle one is her brushing her teeth when she's virtual.

The other one says hashtag

"I think I'm CGI, but these dogs are real."

This one goes, "I cut half my bangs off.

Is it going to grow back even though I'm virtual?"

These are some of her other TikTok videos.

Oh, and that brother that she has.

Yep, you guessed it.

He's not real either.

I wish he was though.

(Laughter)

We manage him and dozens of other virtual humans around the world.

And in the near future, we’re integrating them with AI

so that they become autonomous virtual humans

that you can have a conversation with.

This is a little demo video.

(Video) imma: Nice to meet you, John.

Feel free to ask me anything.

John: Nice to meet you too.

How are you?

imma: Nice to meet you.

I'm feeling good today.

How about you?

John: How does it actually feel to be fused with AI?

Sara Giusto: Yes, they exist in the virtual world,

but these virtual humans have an impact in our real world too.

imma has repeatedly shared her opinions on real-world issues,

including climate change and Black Lives Matter.

She initiated a community get-together in the virtual world during COVID

for people who were feeling lonely and isolated.

She also shares about her Japanese culture

and subculture to her global audience.

For these actions,

she was actually chosen

as one of the Forbes Woman of the Year --

(Laughter)

Right beside the likes of climate change activist Greta Thunberg

and former US First Lady Michelle Obama.

She’s also been featured in Tokyo 2020 Paralympics,

in the closing ceremony,

and has been awarded an award from the Government of Japan

for her actions in going to Cambodia

and voicing about its domestic violence issues.

She's also in real campaigns.

She's worked with brands from Amazon, Porsche, BMW,

skincare brand SK-II,

IKEA and more.

Right now, you can actually see an ad of her all over the world

with her campaign with Coach, right beside co-star Lil Nas X.

She's also in real magazines, on the covers,

from Harper's Bazaar, Voce and Wonderland.

Yes, she doesn't technically exist,

but the younger generation of Gen Z don't care.

Gen Zs love her because they feel a real connection to her.

For them, there's not much of a difference

between someone that is real-life, breathing

that's doing Instagram

and a virtual human like imma.

For example, I know a lot of Gen Zs love Kylie Jenner,

and even if they've never met her before,

they feel like they know everything about her.

From where she takes her family to vacation,

her aspirations

and to even what she eats for breakfast.

Why?

Because she posts these things online,

and people feel a real connection to her.

Same thing with imma.

She posts about her life online,

and people feel a real connection.

She posts an outfit picture,

and people would ask, "Where is that dress from?"

She gets a lot of questions about her perfectly cut bob hair, too.

People want to know who's the famous hairstylist

that's keeping it perfectly cut.

He or she doesn't exist because the hair is not real.

Like this, people love interacting with her,

sharing about their life to her

and even giving her real-life advice when she needs it.

And I mean, I think we've all caught up by now,

scrolling through Instagram, TikTok or a live.

What's really real in the virtual world anyways?

Now does all of this scare any of you?

Maybe it does.

But I promise,

I'm not a scary AI evil virtual human scientist.

I'm actually quite the opposite.

I'm a human lover.

And I truly believe that this virtual human technology

will better our world

and make the treasures that we have as humans --

our love, our connection and our self-expressions -- way better.

Before all of this, I used to be an artist.

I still am at heart.

But like most artists, all my life,

I've been searching for something beautiful and meaningful.

I felt like I found it, the beautiful and meaningful,

in imma when I first laid eyes on her.

Well, actually, not going to lie,

when I first first saw her, I was like, what the heck is this?

But the more I thought about it

and thought about the real connections

that people were having with this piece of technology,

I was amazed.

I thought it was revolutionary because all my life,

technology to me has been something useful,

something I use every day,

but it was never personal to me.

For example, I would ask Siri, what's the weather like?

And it would say, “It’s 11 Celsius today.”

And that was it.

I didn't really have a connection or relationship with it.

But humans are innately emotional creatures,

and our world moves with what moves our hearts.

So what if we can get that same feeling from technology?

What if we can create relationships

like we do with friends, family, coworkers

and even with our alternative selves through virtual humans?

What if we can have a positive impact in different industries from medical,

educational and entertainment --

all leveraging on the deep connection between humans and technology?

imma is the first example of so much more to come.

If there was a book of virtual human history,

we're barely on page one.

And who's better to tell you all of that than Imma herself?

We're going to be joining with her live from Tokyo.

Hi, imma.

imma: Hello, hi, Sara.

SG: Hi, imma.

imma: And hi, everyone.

Wow, look at the audience.

Being the TED stage,

I can't believe it.

I have to pinch myself.

Oh, wait, I can't, I am virtual.

(Laughter)

Well, sometimes we all forget, right?

Anyways, my name is imma, and it’s a pleasure to meet you all.

I'm joining you all the way from Japan.

Konnichiwa.

SG: Konnichiwa.

How’s the weather like in Tokyo today?

imma: Well, I think it rained a little bit this morning, but it’s quite sunny,

and you should get ready for the summer when you get there, Sara.

SG: Nice.

Vancouver is ...

It's beautiful here.

I can see the ocean, the mountains.

And I think it's around 11 Celsius right now.

imma: Wow, sounds freezing.

Well, anyways, even though I'm in Tokyo right now,

I can technically go anywhere, so a special invite.

I love making friends.

If you feel like connecting,

I’ll wait for your DMs, or whatever.

Just don't send anything weird, OK?

Was that good, Sara?

SG: That was great, thanks for popping by.

And say bye to the audience for us.

imma: Bye. Good luck, Sara.

SG: Thank you, imma.

So that was imma.

(Applause)

How I want to conclude is,

we shouldn't get caught up in the topic of what's real

and what's not real,

because, I mean, what's really real, anyways?

We should get away from the dystopian narrative

of the virtual world that we have

and seize possibilities for human connection

and possibilities for human expression.

Because human possibility is the same as technology:

it’s limitless.

Thank you

(Applause)