The digital landscape is evolving at a breakneck pace, and a new startup called OhChat is pushing the boundaries of AI technology and personal branding.

Former British model Katie Price has become one of the first celebrities to create a digital twin through OhChat, a platform that allows public figures to generate AI-powered avatars that interact with fans 24/7. These digital replicas can engage in personalized conversations, send messages, and even provide “intimate” interactions for paying subscribers.

The platform operates on a tiered subscription model, with prices ranging from $4.99 to $29.99 per month. Creators like Price receive 80% of the revenue generated by their AI counterparts, offering a potentially lucrative passive income stream.

However, the emergence of such technology raises significant ethical questions. Researchers and technology experts are concerned about the potential psychological impacts of these hyper-realistic AI interactions. Eleanor Drage from the University of Cambridge warns that such platforms could create environments where humans are “completely left behind while still being exploited”.

The process of creating these digital twins is surprisingly straightforward. OhChat requires creators to submit 30 images and participate in a 30-minute conversation with an AI system. Using Meta’s large language model, the platform can generate a digital replica within hours.

While OhChat CEO Nic Young sees this as the future of digital content creation, promising that “every creator and celebrity will have an AI version of themselves,” others are more skeptical. Experts like Toby Walsh describe these interactions as “algorithmic theatre” - an illusion of a reciprocal relationship that doesn’t truly exist.

The platform also introduces complex legal and emotional considerations. Potential risks include fans developing unhealthy attachments to AI personalities and potential reputational damage if an avatar behaves inappropriately.

As AI technology continues to advance, platforms like OhChat represent a provocative intersection of technology, fame, and digital intimacy - challenging our understanding of personal connection in the digital age.