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

Introduction to Virtual Humans

Who is Imma?

• Sara introduces herself as a talent manager for Imma, a virtual human and fashionista living in Tokyo.

• Imma shares her life on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, showcasing her outfits and daily activities.

• Despite her relatable persona, Imma is entirely fictional and does not exist in reality.

Creation of Virtual Humans

The Technology Behind Imma

• Imma was created using CGI technology and 3D software such as Maya and Unreal Engine.

• She is an original character with no real-life counterpart; the brother she interacts with is also fictional.

• Sara's team manages multiple virtual humans globally, aiming to integrate them with AI for autonomous interactions.

Impact of Virtual Humans

Real-world Influence

• Virtual humans like Imma can engage in conversations about real-world issues such as climate change and social justice.

• During COVID, she organized community gatherings in the virtual world to combat loneliness.

• Imma has received accolades including being named one of Forbes Woman of the Year alongside notable figures like Greta Thunberg.

Brand Collaborations and Popularity

Commercial Success

• She has collaborated with major brands including Amazon, Porsche, BMW, SK-II, IKEA, and Coach.

• Gen Z audiences feel a genuine connection to her despite her being a virtual entity; they relate to her online presence similarly to how they do with real celebrities.

The Emotional Connection with Technology

Humanizing Technology

• Sara discusses the emotional connections people form with virtual beings like Imma through social media interactions.

• She emphasizes that this technology can enhance human experiences by fostering love, connection, and self-expression.

Future of Virtual Humans

A New Era of Interaction

• Sara reflects on how technology has evolved from being merely functional to becoming personal through characters like Imma.

• The potential exists for virtual humans to positively impact various industries by leveraging deep human-tech connections.

Live Interaction with Imma

Engaging Live Presentation

• The presentation transitions into a live interaction where Sara introduces Imma directly from Tokyo.

Weather and Connections

Discussion on Weather

• Imma mentions that it rained a little in the morning but is now sunny, suggesting preparation for summer when Sara arrives.

• SG describes Vancouver as beautiful, highlighting views of the ocean and mountains, with a current temperature of around 11 Celsius.

• Imma reacts to the temperature by expressing surprise, calling it "freezing."

Invitation to Connect

• Imma shares that despite being in Tokyo, she can connect with anyone and expresses her desire to make friends.

• She encourages people to reach out via DMs but requests not to receive anything weird.

Conclusion of Interaction

• SG thanks Imma for joining and asks her to say goodbye to the audience.

• Imma wishes Sara good luck before leaving the conversation.