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Example Draft: Virtual Influencers - Autonomy, Interactivity, and Consumer Behavior
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This master's thesis was generated in 57.4 minutes with 43 verified academic citations from CrossRef, Semantic Scholar, and other academic databases. No hallucinated references.
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Research Question
How do perceived autonomy and interactivity of virtual influencers (AI-generated digital personas) affect consumer attitudes, trust, and behavioral intentions compared to human influencers?
This research examines the psychological mechanisms triggered when consumers engage with synthetic entities that simulate human agency and social reciprocity. The study addresses critical gaps in understanding how AI-driven marketing disrupts traditional notions of authenticity and source credibility.
Abstract
The rapid ascent of virtual influencers (VIs) driven by artificial intelligence has disrupted traditional marketing paradigms, challenging established notions of authenticity and source credibility. This research investigates the "Black Box" of virtual influence, specifically examining how the dimensions of perceived autonomy and interactivity influence consumer trust and behavioral intentions.
By synthesizing current marketing theory with emerging AI governance frameworks, this study analyzes the functional attributes of VIs ranging from scripted avatars to autonomous agents. The analysis reveals that while high interactivity enhances engagement, it creates a complex paradox where increased perceived autonomy can trigger consumer skepticism regarding manipulation and algorithmic bias.
Key Topics Covered
Theoretical Frameworks
- Parasocial Interaction Theory - How consumers form one-sided relationships with virtual entities
- Source Credibility Model - Trust and expertise perceptions of AI-generated personas
- Uncanny Valley Effect - Consumer responses to human-like digital avatars
- Technology Acceptance Model - Factors influencing adoption of AI influencers
Virtual Influencer Categories
- Scripted Avatars - Human-operated CGI personas (e.g., Lil Miquela, Imma)
- Semi-Autonomous Agents - AI-assisted content creation with human oversight
- Fully Autonomous AI - LLM-driven personas with minimal human intervention
Consumer Behavior Dimensions
- Trust Formation - How transparency affects consumer confidence
- Purchase Intention - Impact on conversion and brand engagement
- Brand Evangelism - Word-of-mouth and advocacy behaviors
Ethical Considerations
- Disclosure Requirements - Regulatory gaps in AI entity transparency
- Data Harvesting - Privacy concerns in parasocial relationships
- Vulnerable Demographics - Protection of young consumers from manipulation
- AI Governance - ISO/IEC 42001 standards for responsible deployment
- Algorithmic Bias - Representation and fairness in synthetic influencers
Key Contributions
- A theoretical framework distinguishing the impact of scripted versus autonomous AI-driven interactions on consumer trust formation
- A critical analysis of the ethical vulnerabilities inherent in parasocial relationships with data-harvesting entities
- An evaluation of current regulatory gaps in consumer protection regarding emotionally intelligent AI agents
Citation Sample
All 43 citations in this thesis are verified against academic databases. Here are some examples:
- Kim, D., & Kim, S. (2024). Fake human but real influencer: the interplay of authenticity. Journal of Product & Brand Management.
- Vranken, L., et al. (2025). Artificial influencers, artificial designs? A systematic review. Telematics and Informatics.
- Ligaraba, N., et al. (2024). The effect of influencer interactivity on customer brand engagement. IROCAMM.
- Yadav, R., et al. (2025). Virtual Influencers vs. Human Influencers. IGI Global.
Note on Virtual Influencer Research
This demonstrates OpenDraft's capability to generate research on emerging digital marketing topics. The thesis integrates marketing theory, consumer psychology, and AI governance frameworks with current empirical studies on virtual influencers.
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