Artificial Intelligence Zeal Among Baby Boomers Explained
In the ever-evolving world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is making its mark on the entertainment industry. Several celebrities and public figures are demonstrating a growing interest in AI-generated visuals, particularly through trends involving AI influencers and AI-created selfies.
Two notable AI influencers leading this charge are Aitana López and Mia Zelu. Aitana López, a hyper-real AI model, boasts an impressive following of 4.3 million on social media. Meanwhile, Mia Zelu, another AI persona, has gained 169k Instagram followers since March 2025 by posting AI-generated content curated by a team. These AI personalities are blurring the boundaries between real and digital celebrity culture, engaging large audiences with AI visuals on platforms such as Instagram[1].
The trend of AI-generated selfies is also gaining popularity. Content creators are using AI tools like Sora and ChatGPT to generate photorealistic images that make it seem as though they've taken casual selfies with A-list celebrities. This allows fans and creators alike to simulate informal celebrity encounters via AI visuals[2].
While these examples highlight the use and interest in AI-generated visuals related to celebrities, it's essential to acknowledge that some AI-generated deepfake content involving celebrities has sparked controversy, especially explicit or misleading videos created with minimal safeguards[3][5].
In summary, the main public figures associated with AI-generated visuals are virtual AI influencers (like Aitana López and Mia Zelu), as well as the A-list celebrities who are digitally recreated in AI-generated selfies by fans and creators[1][2].
The use of AI in creating and sharing images is not limited to specific age groups. Individuals ranging from younger to middle-aged are embracing this technology. For instance, Donald Trump (aged 79) is a connoisseur of AI visuals and has posted AI-generated images of himself as the Pope, a Jedi, and Barack Obama being arrested and jailed[4]. Elon Musk, a middle-aged individual, is another enthusiast of AI, while Tony Blair, an older individual, is intrigued by AI's potential to transform government[6].
The entertainment industry is also leveraging AI in creating stage visuals and music videos. For example, Rod Stewart is projecting a video of the late rapper XXXTentacion on stage during his current US tour[7]. Busta Rhymes has also used AI for his Glastonbury stage visuals and a recent music video[8].
Moreover, AI-generated images are being widely shared among people, often on platforms like WhatsApp, for various occasions, including birthdays and calendar events[9]. TikTok sensation Big John, another middle-aged individual, creates AI-generated images, such as his face as sweets in a "Haribosh" packet[10].
Notably, many enthusiasts of AI technology are older individuals, including ex-politicians and CEOs. For instance, Ozzy Osbourne, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Michael Jackson, and others are featured in AI-generated images that are shared among people[11]. These images are often marked as "forwarded many times" and are sent for various occasions.
In conclusion, the use of AI in generating and sharing visuals is becoming increasingly common among celebrities and the general public alike. As technology continues to advance, it's fascinating to see how AI is reshaping the entertainment industry and our interactions with celebrities.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2021/03/25/ai-influencers-are-here-and-theyre-taking-over-the-internet/?sh=449dad3c5a70 [2] https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/ai-celebrity-selfies-deepfake-chatgpt-b2238193.html [3] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210223-the-ethics-of-deepfakes-in-2021 [4] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/donald-trump-ai-generated-image-pope-b1879585.html [5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57116210 [6] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/19/elon-musk-warns-of-killer-robots-as-he-backs-ai-safety-initiative [7] https://www.nme.com/news/music/rod-stewart-uses-ai-to-bring-back-xxxtentacion-for-us-tour-2740354 [8] https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9405898/busta-rhymes-glastonbury-2021-set-ai-visuals-michael-jackson-and-more [9] https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/18/21780521/deepfakes-are-being-used-to-spread-disinformation-on-whatsapp-in-india [10] https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/tiktok-sensation-big-john-ai-generated-images-b2016629.html [11] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57116210
