A Topography of Virtual Influencers

Berryman, Rachel; Abidin, Crystal; Leaver, Tama

doi:10.5210/spir.v2021i0.12145

Cited by 11 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 6 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…These characters are created using computer technologies of varying degrees of complexity, which enable attaining a high image quality and photorealism. Virtual influencers are most often created to attract wide audiences and promote products, brands or certain messages (Berryman et al 2021). In the past couple of years, more and more new virtual influencers have appeared with a numerically quite impressive following regiment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Representation of Socially Significant Issues in the Communication of Virtual Influencers on Social Medium Instagram

Rudzika

2024

Media and Society, 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The aim of the current study is to analyse the representation of socially important issues in the publications of virtual influencers on the social medium Instagram, using qualitative content analysis, focus group discussion and expert interviews. The theoretical basis of the work consists of a review of the concepts of representation and social media, social media influencers and social agency, as well as six theoretical and thematic frames – simulation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, melancholic media and virtual influencers, which act as perspectives through which to look and explain virtuality in communication. The rapid development of computer technology has contributed to the spread of virtual characters, more commonly known as virtual influencers, in social media, who are able to interact with social media users. The concept of virtual influencers is an interdisciplinary phenomenon that combines technological, social and communicative aspects and can be used as a meaningful and effective tool for the representation of socially important topics. Although communication with a virtual character can be classified as a simulation, according to social agency theory, people naturally perceive virtual characters as social actors with certain anthropomorphic characteristics. This perception forces people to behave socially towards virtual agents, applying social rules to them, such as politeness and ethical norms.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Representation of Socially Significant Issues in the Communication of Virtual Influencers on Social Medium Instagram

Rudzika

2024

Media and Society, 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Media and Society, 2023

2024

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Preface2023 saw the 81st international conference of the University of Latvia, and this important annual event of the university's academic life provided an opportunity to present and discuss the latest research results, to share ideas, to seek solutions and to encourage creative activities. The conference programme consisted of multiple sections with participation of the researchers from the University of Latvia, other research centres of Latvia and foreign universities.The current proceedings represent the collection of the best reports presented in the section of the media and communication science at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The focus of the section was the analysis of current and past information processes, the spread of disinformation, the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Latvia's information environment, the support of Ukraine, the events of donation to Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees, the work and life of Russian journalists in Latvia, the issues of artificial intelligence in the field of communication, as well as the role of social networks, and the issues of media literacy.This collection contains 10 articles authored by experienced scientists and teaching staff, as well as representatives of the younger generation of researchers. Thus, the proceedings represent a good example of the synergy between professors and their students.All the articles included in the collection are double-blind peer-reviewed, thereby ensuring their scientific quality and merit. We would like to thank all the reviewers for their work, substantive consideration of the manuscripts, and helpful advice.We hope that these proceedings will bring a contribution to the field of media and communication publications and stimulate further research, as well as participation with valuable research results in future conferences at the University of Latvia.

show abstract