Virtual influencers are accelerating the way young Chinese consumers engage with entertainment and social media. With influencer-based entertainment becoming a go-to, virtual 'idols' are providing relatable content that’s driving brand and product discovery.

With the long-term impact of lockdown yet to be fully felt, there are signs of what the ‘new normal’ looks like. Take Replika, the AI chatbot helping Gen Zers to feel less lonely. As tech fulfils a multitude of needs for young people, a chatbot may be the next frontier in friendship.

Amid growing distrust of online influencers, ‘authentic’ virtual stars are showing signs of taking their place. Testing the waters in this space, The Drum has created a character named Floresta to show how computer-generated personalities can be used as a force for good.

The pandemic has pushed tech front and center and people's lives have become more digital and contactless than ever. Soul Machines creates hyper-human AI avatars to offer people friendship and mentorship, representing the next era of digital companionship and coaching.