Chinese Users Recast AI Teen 'Xiaohai' as a Grifter in Response to Manipulative Ads
Chinese internet users have responded to a series of advertisements featuring an AI-generated teenage boy named Xiaohai by producing their own versions of the character that depict him as a criminal. The original ads, which target elderly audiences, present Xiaohai as a lonely figure in need of help and affection. Users have pushed back against what they see as manipulative marketing by reimagining the AI teen as a grifter. The story was reported by Sixth Tone.
Key facts
- An AI-generated teenage boy character is named Xiaohai
- Ads featuring Xiaohai target elderly users
- The ads portray Xiaohai as needing help and lacking affection
- Chinese users created their own versions of Xiaohai
- User-made versions depict Xiaohai as a criminal
- Users also cast Xiaohai as a grifter
- The response was reported by Sixth Tone
Entities
Institutions
- Sixth Tone
Locations
- China