Bangkok Naughty Boo 'forever young and scandal free': Asia's virtual influencers offer glimpse of metaverse
- Non-binary, non-human, with dreams of being a pop star, they and others expected to yield increasing power as interest grows in online world
- Analysts say virtual industry booming worldwide with Asia expected to be a rapid growth area ‘of the new normal’ in next few years
Blurring the lines between fantasy and reality, these stars are hugely popular with teenagers in the region and will yield increasing power as interest grows in the ‘metaverse’, industry experts say.
“I’m 17 forever, non-binary, with a dream of becoming a pop star,” Bangkok Naughty Boo – who uses they/them pronouns – said in an introductory video.
Created by fashion designer Adisak Jirasakkasem and his friends, who envisioned a gender-fluid persona to hang the ideals of the artist community, the character is one of a tribe of “Made in Thailand” virtual influencers borne from Covid-19 pressures.
In September, Ai-Ailynn made her debut, created after her agency became frustrated by the “limitations on human influencers” during lockdowns.
Virtual influencers “are suitable for the new normal,” said virtual influencer agency SIA Bangkok.
