Virtual Influencers’ Lifecycle: An Exploratory Study Utilizing a 4-Stage Framework of Planning, Production, Debut, and Retirement

In this paper, we explored a 4-stage framework(planning, production, debut, and retirement): the life cycle of a ‘Virtual Influencer’. To address expected ethical limitations on how VIs are produced and how they communicate with the world, we developed a 4-stage framework for the VI’s lifecycle. paper includes a literature review, case studies, and surveys to determine the perception of VIs. We summarized the concepts and characteristics and the market size of VIs. Moreover, we discussed how VIs are created and produced at each stage these days, which is different from human influencers and celebrities. In addition, we adjusted the concept of the retirement of the VIs by suggesting the possible utilities that can be done in the near future. Finally, we identified what social and ethical problems are expected during VI production and activities and proposed solutions such as awareness improvement and preparation of legislation.