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. 2023 Nov 11;9(11):e22164. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22164

Table 2.

Clarify virtual idols, avatars, and virtual influencers.

Concept Definition Key Features Avatars Virtual Influencers Virtual Idols
Avatars Digital entities with anthropomorphic appearance, controlled by a human or software, that are able to interact (Miao et al., 2022).
  • ●

    anthropomorphic appearance;

  • ●

    controlling entity;

  • ●

    interactivity;

 ✓
✓
✓ 		✓
✓
✓ 		✓
✓
✓
Virtual Influencers Digitally generated humans, who output attractive content around one particular domain and interact with audiences on social media thus enabling them to attract and influence followers.
  • ●

    attractiveness;

  • ●

    influence;

 ✓
✓ 		✓
✓
Virtual Idols Computer-generated anthropomorphic exists, they are virtual celebrities engaged in idol activities that have the power to attract and influence fans.
  • ●

    idol activities engagement;

 ✓