Google Labs Unveils AI-Powered Influencer "Portraits"
Google Labs has launched "Portraits," an experimental project using AI to create interactive representations of prominent figures. The first "Portrait" features Kim Scott, author of "Radical Candor," and offers AI-powered coaching based on her leadership principles.
This AI experiment leverages Google's Gemini AI to provide users with personalized advice drawn from Kim Scott's published works and spoken in her voice through an illustrated avatar. Users can ask questions and receive insightful responses generated by the AI, effectively providing access to Scott's expertise without needing to read her books.
Portraits, a new experiment from Google Labs, lets you interact conversationally with AI representations of trusted experts, built in partnership with the experts themselves.
Potential Benefits and Ethical Concerns
While this technology offers potential benefits, such as easy access to expert advice, ethical concerns arise. Is relying on an AI system for guidance comparable to interacting with a real person? Does the use of an avatar create a potentially misleading sense of connection?
Google emphasizes that "Portraits" are directly linked to real experts who have contributed their knowledge and voice. Rigorous testing and user feedback mechanisms are in place to address potential issues.
However, the lack of real-world context for the AI's advice and the potential for misinterpretation remain concerns. The experiment raises questions about the future of influencer marketing and the role of AI in providing personalized guidance.
Meta Explores Similar AI Influencer Technology
Meta is also developing AI versions of creators to interact with fans on Instagram. This aims to increase engagement without adding to creators' workloads. However, the value of interacting with an AI representation rather than the actual person is debatable.
Availability and Future Development
Google's "Portraits" is currently available in the U.S. Individuals can also express interest in having their own AI "Portrait" created. The response to this experiment will offer valuable insights into the public's acceptance of AI-powered influencers.
Learn more about Google Portraits on the Google Labs blog.
