When Aitana Lopez came onto the modelling scene two years ago, her bubblegum pink hair and envious lifestyle immediately made her noteworthy.
The 26-year-old is an avid gym-goer, a city hopper and, above all, an AI advocate.
When there was criticism of AI models feeding increasingly unrealistic beauty standards, the Barcelona native clapped back: ‘Haven’t we been creating false realities for years now?
‘Filters, edits, alter-egos, carefully crafted realities. Tell me – is your face real? Your photos? Your skin, your hair, your life?’
While they may ring true, such words are to be expected from a girl who herself is an AI creation, although this doesn’t stop her from bringing in thousands every month from brand deals.
Ruben Cruz, founder of AI avatar agency The Clueless, created Aitana out of a frustration with fickle and ego-driven models.
When projects were cancelled or put on hold, he discovered the common denominator was the influencer or model hired for the job.
So he created Aitana (note the first two letters of her name) and she became Ruben’s biggest earner.
Aitana is a 26-year-old and ageless Instagram model created by an AI avatar agency
She has more than 360,000 Instagram followers and frequently strikes paid brand deals
The model is described by her creators as a digital muse who breaks barriers and redefines reality
In her best months she rakes in £8,500 from Instagram posts shared with her 361,000 followers, as well as uploads on Fanvue – an OnlyFans alternative that permits AI content.
‘We did it so that we could make a better living and not be dependent on other people who have egos, who have manias or who just want to make a lot of money by posing,’ Ruben told Euronews.
Indeed, Aitana’s upkeep is comparatively easy. A weekly team meeting dictates the next seven days of her life, because ‘people follow lives, not images’, according to Ruben.
So, when she’s not travelling or taking selfies, she lies in a database with a swathe of other influencers and models, ready to be bought and used by companies.
The agency has received countless requests from brands who not only want to hire an existing AI model, but want their very own made for them.
‘They want to have an image that is not a real person and that represents their brand values, so that there are no continuity problems if they have to fire someone or can no longer count on them,’ Ruben added.
The agency has created a host of models of varying ethnicities, ages and body types – including one that bears a striking resemblance to English actor Ian McKellen.
But despite this attempt at inclusivity, the stark majority are made to fit Eurocentric standards of attractiveness.
Lia Byte is another of the agency’s creations – a singer and songwriter from Barcelona
AI personality Lia Byte posted this ‘baby photo’ of herself on Instagram
The agency has created a host of models of varying ethnicities, ages and body types – including one that bears a striking resemblance to English actor Ian McKellen (left)
Although we are growing more discerning when it comes to recognising AI content, repeated exposure is altering our perception of real women.
‘AI models, especially hyper-realistic, always-flattering ones, risk becoming the new fantasy foil in heterosexual relationships,’ says clinical sexologist Marie Morice.
She told Femail: ‘Just like the overconsumption of porn can warp expectations of sex, getting emotionally or visually attached to an idealised digital presence can distort what we value in real-life partners.
‘These “perfect” AIs don’t get moody, don’t have needs, and always validate the user – and that can desensitise people, especially men, to the beautifully messy reality of human connection.’
For women, this often means feeling unseen or inadequate, Marie explained, which directly impacts intimacy, desire and confidence in a relationship.
But it’s not all negative. In some cases, if used correctly, AI can actually enhance sex in relationships.
‘There can be a playful, expansive side to AI — especially for women, who are so often left out of the sex tech conversation.’
Marie suggested that AI companions might offer a safe space to explore fantasy, rehearse desires, or even spice things up with a virtual threesome.
Aitana adopts the fashion sense and poses of other popular Instagram influencers
Many of Aitana’s posts are sponsored by major brands, such as Olaplex and Intimissimi
Pictured: The agency’s AI influencer Lia Byte, a Sinead O’Connor lookalike whose ‘story is just beginning’
‘Like any tool, it’s all about the how and the why we use it. Is it deepening the connection, or replacing it?’
Another influencer created by the agency is Lia Byte – a Sinead O’Connor lookalike and a singer who has shared AI baby photos on herself Instagram.
Each of the personalities seems to be based on a real-life celebrity. Even where it’s not immediately obvious, there is an eerie familiarity to their faces.
Relationship therapist Rhian Kivits says heterosexual relationships are seriously impacted when the man follows models on the internet – and whether or not that model is real makes no material difference.
She told Femail: ‘AI models tend to depict exaggerated feminine features such as larger breasts and hips, more defined, tighter bodies and smaller waists.
‘They may also have perfectly balanced facial features or exaggerate features that are thought of as sexy, like big plump lips and large, alluring eyes.
‘When your partner is viewing images of women that look “real” but are actually well outside of the norm, his expectations of the way you look, dress and behave in and out of the bedroom may subtly shift and this can put pressure on your intimate relationship.’
As well as placing strain on relationships, such tech is contributing to the dehumanisation and objectification of women – both real and fake.
Clinical sexologist Marie Morice (pictured) said that following AI models can negatively impact relationship intimacy
Relationship therapist Rhian Kivits told Femail the sexualisation of female AI models is harmful to women
‘It’s not just the visuals that are the issue here, but the fact that a woman’s face and body can be manipulated and used to appeal to the primal, sexual side of men,’ Rhian added.
‘When men take this attitude on and it’s projected into their relationships, they may find themselves raising their expectations unrealistically and projecting their wishes selfishly onto their partner.
‘And women may find themselves struggling to self-improve with diet, exercise and inauthentic sexual behaviours, but they can never realistically make the grade.’
The Clueless CEO Diana Núñez told Femail: ‘We are deeply aware of the debate surrounding representation, sexualization and beauty standards.
‘We’re committed to broadening the spectrum of representation and highlighting diverse bodies, styles, ages and personalities.
‘We think AI can be a powerful tool to spark conversations about expression and perception, as long as it’s used responsibly.’
Diana said Aitana is still generating income through brand collaborations but she stressed that the agency’s goal is to create storytelling tools, not just avatars.
‘It’s not just about aesthetics. Everything is tailored to the complexity and specific needs of each project.
‘We also offer the ability to clone a real person, which opens up a world of possibilities for campaigns and digital presence.’
