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The Rise of Virtual Employees in China and Their Impact on Business, (from page 20230108.)

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Summary

Businesses in China are increasingly investing in virtual employees, with Baidu reporting a doubling of projects since 2021. These virtual beings, which integrate animation, sound tech, and machine learning, can perform various tasks and are gaining popularity across industries like finance and tourism. Costs for creating virtual people have dropped significantly, and the market is expected to grow by 50% annually through 2025. China’s government is also promoting the virtual person industry, aiming for a valuation of over 50 billion yuan by 2025. Brands are turning to virtual influencers to avoid scandals associated with celebrities, with a significant portion of consumers engaging with these digital personas. Major tech companies like Bilibili and Tencent are pioneering developments in this space, alongside emerging startups.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Growth of Virtual Employee Market Businesses in China increasingly investing in virtual employees for various sectors. Shift from traditional human employees to virtual employees for tasks like customer service and entertainment. Virtual employees could become standard in many industries, reducing reliance on human labor. Advancements in AI and cost reduction making virtual employees more accessible and efficient. 5
Popularity of Virtual Influencers A significant number of consumers engaging with virtual influencers and digital celebrities. Transition from traditional celebrity endorsements to virtual influencers due to scandals in the celebrity sphere. Virtual influencers may dominate advertising, reducing the need for human celebrity endorsements. Brands seeking scandal-free alternatives to maintain consumer trust and engagement. 4
Government Support for Virtual People Development Chinese government initiatives to boost the virtual people industry with financial targets. Increased government backing for virtual technology projects compared to previous years. A robust virtual people industry could emerge, influencing various economic sectors and job markets. National strategy to enhance digital economy and technology innovation. 5
Rise of Virtual Anchors in Media Significant increase in the use of virtual anchors for broadcasting and content creation. Shift from traditional human anchors to virtual counterparts for media broadcasting. Virtual anchors could replace human presenters in certain media roles, changing content delivery. Consumer demand for innovative and engaging content delivery methods. 4
Cost Reduction in Virtual Technology Dramatic drop in costs for creating virtual people, making them more affordable for businesses. More businesses can afford to implement virtual employees compared to previous years. Widespread adoption of virtual employees across industries due to affordability, changing workforce dynamics. Technological advancements leading to cost-effective solutions for businesses. 5

Concerns

name description relevancy
Job Displacement As virtual employees become more prevalent, there is a risk of jobs being displaced in various industries, particularly in customer service and entertainment. 4
Consumer Deception The rise of virtual influencers may lead to misinformation or manipulation, where consumers are unable to distinguish between real and virtual personas. 5
Over-reliance on Technology Increased dependence on virtual beings for content creation and customer interaction could create vulnerabilities if the technology fails or is misused. 4
Loss of Human Touch The use of virtual beings in customer service may lead to a decrease in human interaction, potentially affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty. 3
Content Ownership and Ethics Issues surrounding the ownership of content created by virtual beings and ethical concerns regarding their portrayal and interactions. 3
Digital Persona Scandals As virtual beings assume roles of influencers, there is potential for controversies or scandals similar to those involving human celebrities. 4
Regulatory Challenges The rapid growth of the virtual people industry may outpace current regulations, leading to gaps in oversight and accountability. 5
Cultural Impacts The widespread acceptance of virtual personas may alter societal norms and perceptions around authenticity and human connection. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Adoption of Virtual Employees Businesses increasingly hire virtual employees for various roles, from customer service to entertainment, driven by cost efficiency and technological advancements. 5
Rise of Virtual Influencers Brands are shifting towards virtual influencers to avoid scandals associated with human celebrities, reflecting a change in marketing strategies. 4
Investment in Virtual Reality Technology Significant investment and government support are driving the growth of the virtual people industry, indicating a prioritization of digitalization in the economy. 5
Emergence of Virtual Anchors The proliferation of virtual anchors in media illustrates a trend towards digitized human representation in broadcasting and entertainment. 4
Growth in Consumer Engagement with Virtual Personalities An increasing percentage of consumers engage with virtual influencers and personalities, indicating a shift in audience preferences. 4
Development of Specialized Virtual Products Tech companies are creating specialized virtual products, such as digital singers and AI chatbots, to cater to various sectors. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Digitized human beings created using animation, sound tech, and machine learning for various industries. 5 9830e769665e82dcea315b1089dc40c4
Digital personalities used in advertising and entertainment, providing alternatives to traditional celebrities. 5 9830e769665e82dcea315b1089dc40c4
Technologies enhancing digital interactions in broadcasting, manufacturing, and economic digitalization. 4 9830e769665e82dcea315b1089dc40c4
Virtual singers utilizing AI algorithms to improve voice quality and engage audiences. 4 9830e769665e82dcea315b1089dc40c4
Digital avatars that interact with audiences in real-time, used in broadcasting and streaming. 4 9830e769665e82dcea315b1089dc40c4
AI-driven chatbots for automated customer support in various sectors. 4 9830e769665e82dcea315b1089dc40c4
Technology enabling the development and deployment of virtual personas in digital media and gaming. 3 9830e769665e82dcea315b1089dc40c4

Issues

name description relevancy
Growth of Virtual Employees The rapid growth in the virtual employee sector in China, with projected annual increases of 50% through 2025. 5
Digital Human Integration in Business The increasing use of virtual people in various industries for customer service, marketing, and entertainment, reflecting a shift in business strategies. 4
Cost Reduction in Virtual Technologies Significant cost reductions in the development and deployment of virtual people, making them more accessible to businesses. 4
Regulatory and Ethical Issues Potential challenges around the use of virtual influencers, especially as brands seek alternatives to traditional celebrities with scandals. 3
Government Support for Virtual Industries Chinese government initiatives aimed at enhancing the virtual people industry, indicating strong state support and investment. 4
Consumer Acceptance of Virtual Influencers Growing consumer engagement with virtual influencers, as evidenced by survey statistics indicating significant viewership and participation. 4
Technological Advancements in AI and Animation Improvements in AI and animation technology that enhance the realism and functionality of virtual people. 4
Emergence of Virtual Anchors The rise of virtual anchors in media and entertainment, as platforms like Bilibili see increasing usage of these digital entities. 3