The Rise of AI Influencers
It’s hard to believe in what you see these days, isn’t it?
With artificial intelligence evolving so rapidly, distinguishing between reality and the digital world—specifically, understanding who is real and who isn’t—has become quite the challenge.
This month, sexy influencer Mia Zell hit the headlines with an eye-catching photo from Wimbledon, sending fans into a frenzy.
With 168,000 followers on Instagram, the catch is, she’s not a real person.
MIA is a bot created by unnamed developers, part of a growing trend in social media.
So-called “AI influencers” appear across platforms, making it easy for users to mistake them for actual people thanks to highly realistic images and videos.
A study by Getty Images revealed that 68% of respondents aren’t sure if images are AI-generated, highlighting a pressing need for clarity around such content.
Curious about this, some folks decided to hit Times Square to see if locals and tourists could tell the difference between real influencers and AI models.
Participants attempted to identify six images—three of real influencers and three AI-created models.
The results? Quite surprising. Most struggled to accurately identify the real from the artificial.
No one guessed all six right, and many failed to discern the genuine articles, which really shows how adept software has become at imitating reality.
Image 1: Dina
Dina, with over 172,000 TikTok followers, has been accused of being an AI model recently. She insists she’s just really skilled with makeup.
However, most people questioned thought she appeared too perfect to be real, often associating her look with filters and Photoshop.
Some genuinely didn’t know she was a real person—sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction.
Answer: Actual model
Image 2: Aitana Lopez
Aitana Lopez, an AI creation from Spanish developer Rubén Cruz, boasts 372,000 followers on Instagram.
Interestingly, companies pay AI models like her while Cruz reportedly earns up to $10,900 monthly from their creation.
Even so, many of her followers might not realize she’s fictional.
People surveyed in Times Square found it challenging to believe Aitana was not a real person.
As one characteristically confused participant stated, it was quite disorienting.
Answer: AI Bot
Image 3: INES Trockia
Italian model INES Trocchia, 30, has also had to fend off AI accusations.
She expressed frustration about being mistaken for a digital model, calling it “insanity.”
Some onlookers were adamant she was not real until they learned she actually is.
One excited local exclaimed that he couldn’t believe she was genuine, and it was all quite amusing for him.
Answer: Actual model
Image 4: Jessica
The Brazilian influencer Jessica Kayane boasts around 19.5 million followers but has also faced skepticism regarding her authenticity.
She mentioned a creepy incident where her passport photo didn’t match her glamorous online persona, leading to immigration issues.
Yet, those questioned tended to think she was real—pointing out her supposed flaws as proof.
Jessica insists she’s quite real, albeit with a bit of Photoshop assistance.
Answer: Actual model
Image 5: Mirasophia
Milla Sofia, the AI influencer, seems to have little in common with her human counterparts.
Her creators make no attempt to hide her synthetic nature, yet she has gained considerable popularity.
Her anonymous creator says they aren’t pushing unrealistic beauty standards, though most who were surveyed easily identified her as AI.
Answer: AI Bot
Image 6: Mia Zelu
Finally, Mia Zelu’s images are so lifelike that even some famous athletes are convinced she’s a real person.
Cricket star Rishabh Pant, for example, has liked many of her posts, mistaking her for genuine beauty.
However, most who participated in the quiz in Times Square believed she was also real.
Only a few, like one young man, recognized her as a bot, noting her beauty and saying she wasn’t, in fact, real.
Answer: AI Bot
