With the advancement in AI technology, you can now have your digital twin which would be exactly like you but exist in the virtual world. In this guide, we will explain what is an AI-generated twin, what are the pros and cons of having one, and how to create your digital AI doppelganger with ease.
As revealed by ExpressVPN, advanced AI is producing hyperrealistic digital doubles which are created by models like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). These AI systems are fed with data from real users, allowing them to produce AI doppelgangers of real people.
However, this phenomenon raises serious questions about identity security and personal privacy. It’s crucial that you learn how to tackle the advanced AI capabilities and put your digital twin to good use before it gets exploited by unethical users to harm you.
What is a digital AI doppelganger?
A digital AI Doppelganger is your virtual replication created using artificial intelligence. It is usually a lifelike face with hyperrealistic features and can interact just like you. Sometimes your AI doppelganger may even exist without your knowledge or consent.
The advancement in AI technology has allowed models to be trained with your data and then churn out a digital version of you. However, this comes with both advantages and disadvantages as there are both good uses and risks of having a digital AI double.
You can use your digital AI doppelganger to replace you for routine tasks such as giving instructions to your team, having a study partner, or finding someone to talk to while you’re alone. However, it may also be misused for false advertisement or to tarnish your reputation.
How does a digital AI doppelganger work?
Digital AI Doppelgangers are created using advanced AI algorithms such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) which were introduced in the mid-2010s. Initially, its purpose was to create digital art but it later evolved to be able to generate lifelike figures after constant feeding of data belonging to real people.
GANs use two neural networks competing against each other. One creates image output while the other evaluates the realism of the result. This model is able to create hyperrealistic figures due to years of realistic simulations for AI training.
Now, you (or others) can create your AI doppelganger which would exist digitally and interact with the world just like you do. It can replicate your physical features, behavior, mannerisms, and even your thought process if it receives sufficient data related to you.
How to create your digital AI doppelganger?
There are several AI tools to create your digital AI doppelganger such as Lensa AI, Synthesia Video Editor, and others. You can select any of these AI-powered apps to create your digital double using some of your existing pictures and videos.
We’d explain the process to generate your digital doppelganger using the Magic Avatars feature of Lensa AI. Follow these steps:
Step-1: Download and install the Lensa AI app from the Play Store or App Store. Launch the app, go through the privacy policy, and accept it.
Step-2: The app will ask you to choose a subscription level. If you don’t want to buy it, select the 7-day free trial to create your AI avatar.
Step-3: Now go to the Magic Avatars feature of the app and upload your photos. The app will guide you about the type of photos you have to upload.
Step-4: Next, select a style for your photos. To generate realistic doppelgangers of yourself, select the “Humans” Avatar type and then choose the gender. After that, you can choose a style of your choice such as ‘Essential’ or ‘Fantasy’.
Step-5: Finally, generate your Magic Avatars and wait for the output. It may take some time for the app to process your data and create your digital double.
This is how you can create your digital AI doppelganger. You can also use any other app of your choice to bring your AI twin into existence. The process will be similar for any tool with a few differences based on the features and the interface of the software.
Potential uses for your digital AI-generated twin
Your AI doppelganger can be used for several purposes. For instance, it can work as your personalized learning assistant to make education more accessible and effective for you. You can use it to simulate different types of studying methodologies.
Another good use of an AI digital double is as a therapeutic aid for someone needing psychological support. You can help your doppelganger to practice conversations or develop social skills in a low-pressure environment.
AI doppelgangers can also be used for marketing and advertisements, customer service operations, boosting sales, and performing any task that doesn’t require manual human efforts.
Risks of having an AI-generated digital double
Alongside helpful use cases, there are also risks involved with having a digital AI doppelganger. For example, your AI twin can be used for unauthorized access to digital accounts or secure facilities, which may lead to identity and data theft.
It can also be used to spread false information or tarnish your reputation by making it involved in controversial acts that you would never participate in. It may even be used to lead others into scams or other frauds unless strict legal guidelines and laws are introduced for its usage.
The existing legal frameworks are not well equipped to counter the threats posed by AI doppelgangers. The U.S. copyright laws are outdated, making unauthorized AI-generated content go untested in courts, while the EU Copyright Act also lacks specific provisions.
Final thoughts
The recent advancements in AI technologies have triggered the advent of digital doppelgangers. Your AI-generated twin can be pretty useful when you are creating and using it cautiously. However, it also poses a risk of others misusing your digital double without your knowledge.
You should create your digital AI doppelganger when you really need it for something. If you are only generating it for fun, then you should first understand the risks involved in feeding AI models with your accurate data. It allows others to create your double without your consent.
That’s why you should always avoid putting your photos and videos online unnecessarily and get rid of your dormant social media accounts. You’ll be able to bring your AI double into existence without any worries once there are proper rules and regulations regarding its use.
