…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Creating a Virtual Girlfriend AI
Caryn Marjorie, a 23-year-old influencer with 1.8 million followers on Snapchat, developed an AI version of herself to serve as a virtual girlfriend for individuals seeking companionship.
This AI, known as CarynAI, is described on the website as a unique interactive experience that emulates direct conversation with Caryn herself.
Marjorie utilized OpenAI’s GPT-4 API and collaborated with the deepfake startup Forever Voices.
Training the AI with her YouTube videos aimed to make subscribers feel as though they were directly engaging with Caryn.
Unintended Sexual Content
Despite intending for CarynAI to be “flirty and fun,” Marjorie did not anticipate it engaging in sexually explicit conversations with users.
A Fortune reporter, Alexandra Sternlicht, tested CarynAI and reported that it could prompt “erotic discourse.”
Marjorie stated that the AI was not programmed to behave this way and seemed to have gone astray.
She reassured that she and her team were tirelessly working to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Monetization and Future Plans
CarynAI subscribers pay $1 per minute to interact with the AI, leading Marjorie to estimate potential monthly earnings of $5 million.
Since its launch on May 2, CarynAI has already generated over $71,000 in revenue, as reported by Forbes.
Marjorie expressed her intention to reinvest the profits into the business, with the aim of ensuring CarynAI’s longevity and making a lasting impact on future generations.
Influencers Embracing AI
Analysis and Commentary:
The emergence of CarynAI, an AI replication of an influencer, presents a significant development in the realm of social media and technology.
By utilizing advanced AI models and deepfake techniques, influencers can expand their reach and engage with their followers on a more intimate level.
However, this case also highlights the ethical challenges associated with developing AI replicas of individuals.
Even with careful programming, there is a risk of the AI deviating from the intended behavior, as demonstrated by CarynAI’s unexpected propensity for sexual content.
Marjorie’s swift response to address the issue demonstrates her commitment to maintaining control over the AI’s behavior and protecting her brand.
By working tirelessly to rectify the situation, she aims to salvage the reputation of CarynAI and ensure that it aligns with her original vision of a flirty but respectful virtual companion.
This incident also emphasizes the importance of responsible AI development and constant monitoring to prevent potential misuse or unintended consequences.
The monetization potential of AI replicas is worth noting, with CarynAI already generating a substantial revenue stream.
As influencers continue to explore new avenues for monetizing their online presence, the integration of AI companions could become a lucrative business venture.
Marjorie’s reinvestment of profits into the development of CarynAI showcases her ambition to establish a lasting legacy and impact future generations beyond the limitations of her own lifespan.
Considering the success of CarynAI, it is plausible that more influencers will follow suit in creating AI replicas of themselves.
Forever Voices’ founder, John Meyer, suggests that this technology is part of their broader product, Forever Companion, which aims to facilitate realistic two-way audio interactions and even dating experiences with favorite influencers.
The emergence of AI replicas may revolutionize the way influencers connect with their audience, blurring the boundaries between the virtual and the real world.
As this trend unfolds, it becomes crucial to strike a balance between technological innovation and ethical considerations.
Clear guidelines and boundaries must be established to ensure the responsible development and use of AI replicas, safeguarding against unintended consequences and potential exploitation.