Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Chinese Social Media Users’ Perceptions of the Authenticity of AI-Generated Virtual Influencers

Ming YangSchool of Journalism and Communication, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China* Zhu ZengArts, Design & Architecture Faculty, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia Xinyu ZhangSchool of Journalism and Communication, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, 201620, China

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Virtual influencers have become a transformative force in the rapidly evolving social media landscape, redefining the dynamics of user interactions on Chinese social media platforms. The proliferation of virtual influencers on platforms like Instagram, Weibo, and TikTok, ranging from eerily realistic humanoids to captivating anime-inspired personas, signals a paradigm shift in audience engagement strategies. This study investigates the function of perceived authenticity in dictating user interaction intentions with virtual influencers and how different patterns of encounters with virtual influencers on social media—intentional/incidental—affect these interactions. Surveyed 156 respondents, the research highlights that virtual influencers with strong storytelling and human-like traits are perceived as more authentic, enhancing user trust and engagement. The study also emphasizes the need for tailored virtual influencers' interaction strategies.

Keywords: virtual influencers; perceived authenticity; social media; user engagement
Published: April 7, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2024.21750
Volume: CHR Vol.55
pp. 232-242
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