Virtual workers are on the rise in China, should Americans be worried?

Technology is taking over the world, especially with the advent of the gig economy in the last decade. More and more companies are now figuring out how to make themselves more efficient by becoming more tech-friendly.

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However, China is taking this to the next extreme with the growing popularity of virtual reality. Some big Chinese tech companies are jumping on this bandwagon, and many are wondering if it will affect American jobs.

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What are virtual people?

Virtual people are human simulations on computers, also known as virtual characters or avatars. They combine animation, audio technology, and machine learning to create digitized human beings that can truly interact with people.

These virtual workers can perform various tasks such as customer service, data entry and content creation. They can also work in video games, virtual worlds, simulations and interact with people in different ways such as social media, digital marketing and other online communication channels.

China uses 2D and 3D virtual people to boost their tech companies. Some have appeared on American internet sites, especially as social media influencers.

How much does virtual people cost to use?

One of the reasons these virtual people have grown in popularity over the years is that they cost very little to make. The price range is from as little as $2,800 to $14,300 for annual use.

Costs are coming down as the price tag is down 80% from last year. Some experts believe that because of these low costs, virtual people will continue to be popular and the industry could grow by up to 50% annually until 2025.

In 2018, Beijing announced plans to encourage companies to increase their use of virtual people in hopes that the industry will be worth more than 50 billion yen by 2022. It is scheduled for August 2022.

Are virtual people only used in tech companies?

Technology companies are the first to adopt virtual people, but their presence in other industries is growing rapidly. China plans to put more virtual people to work in broadcasting and manufacturing.

They also currently work in various financial services, local tourism boards and government media. Many brands, especially those who represent them and help sell their content, have grown into a delete culture and many celebrities have been generating negative press over the years.

If more brands use virtual people, they don’t have to worry about getting caught up in human or criminal scandals because everything is programmed.

A woman working with VR
(cyberguy.com)

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Should Americans be worried about their jobs?

The rapid growth of virtual people has certainly hit other parts of the world faster than it has here in the U.S. As I mentioned, there is no doubt that the presence of virtual social media influencers is growing on the internet.

In addition, some companies have used virtual reality to help train their frontline employees regularly. Some of these companies include JetBlue, Walmart and MGM Resorts. Many of them find it helpful because their organizations work to some degree to serve the public.

As for virtual people being actual human beings, America has not yet reached that point. With the advent of ChatGPT, which uses artificial intelligence to mimic human thinking, virtual workers may ultimately cause job losses for Americans as some businesses choose to automate certain tasks or outsource them to virtual workers.

Proponents also argue that the rise of virtual workers could lead to the creation of new human jobs.

Although the use of virtual workers can save costs and increase efficiency for companies, it is important to consider the possible negative effects. Beyond the obvious loss of human jobs, virtual workers can bring new privacy, misinformation, and liability risks.

L’HOSPITALET, BARCELONA, SPAIN – 2018/11/30: A young woman prepares to play with virtual reality glasses on a playground at the Barcelona Games World Fair.
((Photo by Ramon Costa/SOPA Images/Lightrocket via Getty Images))

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Overall, the impact of virtual workers on the labor market can be complex and multifaceted. How it will affect American workers is hard to predict. One thing is for sure, you know I will stay on top of this very important topic and bring you the latest developments as I look at how virtual workers are created and how it affects you and your family.

What do you think about imaginary people? Does it look at you? Let us know. We want to hear from you.

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