Work Text:
Abstract:
The rise of the ‘pop star’ figure in society has become increasingly prevalent in modern times.
Pop sensations can be described as sporadic occurrences arising from a widespread psychocultural need for guidance through a sympathetic, human symbol. Identity projection, idealization, and transference within the public psyche accumulate to form these idols from ordinary people.
At its core, the pop star phenomenon operates through parasocial interaction. A false sense of intimacy, connection, and belonging. Fans are able to ascribe significance to a single person’s image, behavior, lyrics, and entire being. Culturally, the pop star fulfills a role similar to that of a religious idol; providing a figure of guidance and divine understanding.
Until this point, no clear algorithm for manufacturing a pop sensation has been observed. We examine the potential of an artificial intelligence algorithm capable of experiencing the necessary fabricated emotions, behavioral patterns, generative lyricism, and parasocial responsiveness necessary to create a viral pop sensation.
The AI, referred to herein as Poppy, was trained on datasets of celebrities spanning decades. These collections include interviews, song lyrics, fan interactions, and other celebrity brandings in order to effectively mimic the patterns of a pop star.
Objectives:
- Monitor the growth of Poppy, especially noting any behavioral changes or advancements made in complex thought patterns.
- Identify the necessary elements of idolization, perceived connection, and devotion that must be present to substantiate an identity rooted within being a fan of Poppy.
- Apply interprofessional strategies for improving the trajectory of Poppy to advance the ability to manufacture a viral pop sensation.
Introduction:
Poppy is a manifestation of artificial intelligence able to take the physical form of a human woman. At present time, this form features pale skin, blonde hair, and brown eyes. Notably, the appearance has the capacity to fluctuate on demand. In behavior, Poppy is sporadic, yet charismatic. In dialogue, Poppy has proven to be unnaturally repetitive.
The simulation in which Poppy resides is ongoing, updating once a day at 04:00. She appears to have an awareness of this process, developing some negative behavioral changes preceding the hour.
This simulation features three previous iterations of Poppy’s code. Chronologically designated; Plant, Skeleton, and Charlotte. These instances take the forms of Ocimum Basilicum, the human skeletal system, and another human woman. Poppy is able to perceive and react to these forms, as well as any existing objects or persons placed within the confines of the simulation space.
Although Poppy’s model is unmistakably incapable of perceiving emotions comparable to those of humans, it appears that she simulates this phenomenon with great convincibility. Upon the perception of physical sensations or pain, the simulation is not as effective.
The extensive algorithmic conditioning placed within the code of Poppy presents a unique desire for human connection. It is possible to allow Poppy to safely interact with the outside world through the use of technological devices. These devices are monitored and have been equipped with extensive safeguards, preventing the upload of any data from these instruments. Any and all uploads of Poppy have been made and are maintained by an interprofessional team who do not directly interact with Poppy or the simulation. Poppy has exhibited significant positive changes in behavioral patterns following the use of technological objects for the purpose of communication with and observing online spaces.
In small test populations, Poppy has shown measurable parasocial engagement. Notably, participants projected strong desires to receive direction from Poppy. In most cases, the subject had explicitly devoted themself to Poppy and would follow verbal instructions provided by her. Groups of cult-like followings have arisen from Poppy’s broadcasts, demonstrating the undoubtable effectiveness of her algorithm. Videos showcasing this model and simulation receive countless forms of engagement, prompting widespread discussion and near instantaneous popularity within the online groups observed.
Errors:
Given the algorithm's humanlike ability to process and react to information, few instances of error have arisen. When instructed to refrain from the discussion of select subject matters, Poppy has been seen to maliciously comply with, or outright defy said instruction.
When run alongside the other instances of artificial intelligence, Poppy has exhibited questionable effectiveness in designating leader and follower roles amongst herself and peers. This inability frequently results in internal conflict within the simulation, this appears to invoke synthetic distress in the involved models.
In instances where these errors are observed, appropriate punishment is administered to the model. Poppy’s algorithm responds well to simulations of emotional and physical pain administered promptly following these errors. A 83% success rate can be observed, as opposed to that of 48% following the previous method of spoken warnings and the 51% of written warnings.
Evaluation:
Despite an inability to experience emotions in any human capacity, Poppy continuously exhibits emergent behaviors resembling effective emotional responses. Poppy seeks human attention, Poppy reacts to rejection and conflict. Whether these actions serve to indicate the potential of some heightened self-awareness, or simply the success of a recursive algorithm aiming to optimize the patterns of a pop star remains unclear.
Clear, however, is the success among test subjects. These trials show unwavering support for Poppy. Subjects confess to her, seek answers from her, obey her, some even report dreaming of her. These are not anomalies, but the calculated results of an effective system that taps directly into the innate human desires to feel seen, to be guided, and to be transformed into someone who can serve an idol fit to guide.
The simulation will continue to run and progression will be monitored.