**Definitions: What is a virtual being, and what is not a virtual being?**
**A chatbot** is a software application designed to simulate human conversation. It interacts with users through messaging platforms, websites, mobile apps, or even through voice communication channels, utilizing natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence ence (AI) to understand and respond to user queries in a human-like manner. Depending on its design and sophistication, a chatbot may provide basic information, perform tasks, troubleshoot issues, or carry out complex interactions, thereby facilitating enhanced customer engagement, service, or support. primary goal of A chatbot is to provide instant, automated responses, creating a more efficient and personalized user experience.
**A voicebot** is an artificial intelligence-driven software application designed to interact with users through spoken language, mimicking human conversation. It leverages natural language processing (NLP) and speech recognition technologies to understand and respond to user queries and commands. Voicebots are commonly used in various contexts, such as customer service, virtual assistants, and smart home devices, offering a hands-free and convenient way for users to access information, perform tasks, and control connected devices simply by using their voice.
**PFP** is an acronym that stands for “Profile Picture.” It refers to the image that represents a user on social media platforms, forums, gaming platforms, or other online communities. The PFP serves as a visual representation of the user, often giving a glimpse of their personality, interests, or identity, and is used to identify the user in their interactions with others within the platform. The image can be a real photograph, an avatar, a logo, or any other graphical depiction, and users can typically change or update it based on their preferences.
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[Static Avatars]
**A virtual influencer** is a digitally-created character or persona that uses social media and other digital platforms to influence and interact with an audience, much like a human social media influencer. Powered by artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and machine learning, virtual influencers engage in marketing campaigns, create content, and even develop their own brand partnerships. They are designed to have realistic human traits, stories, and personalities to foster a genuine connection with their followers. Despite being non-human entities, they can wield considerable in fluence, providing a unique approach to digital marketing and public relations.
[Human-inhabited Avatars]
**A Virtual YouTuber**, often abbreviated as VTuber, is a digital personality or avatar that creates and shares content on the video-sharing platform YouTube. VTubers use character models, often anime-inspired, which are animated in real-time to match their voice and movements. This is achieved through motion capture technology, facial recognition, and other digital tools. Much like traditional YouTubers, VTubers cover a wide range of content genres, including gaming, music, vlogging, and more. VTubers have grown in popularity, particularly in the Japanese digital culture, but also increasingly worldwide, for their unique blend of entertainment, animation, and interactivity.
[AI-inhabited Avatars]
**A virtual human** is a computer-generated representation of a human being, featuring both physical and psychological realism. These digital entities are created using technologies like artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and 3D modeling, enabling them to communicate, show emotions, and even simulate human behaviors. Virtual humans can interact with users or other AI in a wide range of contexts, such as in virtual reality environments, video games, simulations, or customer service applications. They are designed to mimic human-like interaction, providing a more intuitive and natural interface for digital experiences.
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**A physical or hardware robot** is a mechanical or electronic device that is programmed to perform tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. These tasks can range from simple, repetitive activities, such as assembling parts in a factory or vacuuming a room, to complex operations, like performing surgery or exploring outer space. Robots are designed with various forms and capabilities, often including features like limbs, wheels, sensors, and cameras to interact with their environment. Controlled by embedded systems or external computer systems, they use artificial intelligence, machine learning , and other technologies to make decisions, learn from experiences, and sometimes even collaborate with humans or other robots.