Chinese Social Media Users Perceptions of the Authenticity of AI-Generated Virtual Influencers

Virtual influencers have become a transformative force in the rapidly evolving social media landscape, redefining the dynamics of user interactions on Chinese social media platforms. The proliferation of virtual influencers on platforms like Instagram, Weibo, and TikTok, ranging from eerily realistic humanoids to captivating anime-inspired personas, signals a paradigm shift in audience engagement strategies. This study investigates the function of perceived authenticity in dictating user interaction intentions with virtual influencers and how different patterns of encounters with virtual influencers on social mediaintentional/incidentalaffect these interactions. Surveyed 156 respondents, the research highlights that virtual influencers with strong storytelling and human-like traits are perceived as more authentic, enhancing user trust and engagement. The study also emphasizes the need for tailored virtual influencers' interaction strategies.