QUT AMPR Business Breakfast - 13 November

Can We Trust Virtual Influencers? Rethinking Credibility in the Age of AI

What makes a virtual influencer credible, and how should brands decide when and how to use them?

Virtual influencers are digitally created social media personalities that increasingly appear in brand communication, product endorsements and online consumer engagement. They offer brands new opportunities for creativity, consistency and control, but their artificial identity also raises an important marketing question: what makes consumers perceive a virtual influencer as credible?

Drawing on research led by Dr Thusyanthy Lavan at QUT, this Business Breakfast will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual influencer credibility and unpack what the latest evidence means for brands and marketers. The presentation will examine how credibility is understood in this unique context and identifies the core factors that shape how consumers evaluate and respond to digital personalities.

Dr Lavan will be joined by Abby Dalziel, Social Media Manager at Oh My Digital, who will bring a practical industry perspective to the discussion.

The session will be particularly relevant to marketing and social media professionals, brand managers, agencies, researchers and anyone interested in how AI and digitally created personalities are reshaping influencer marketing.

The session will be offered in person and livestreamed online. A light breakfast and free parking will be provided for in-person attendees.