A 22-year-old Indian medical student has admitted to creating an AI-generated social media persona named "Emily Hart" and using it to earn thousands of dollars online by targeting politically engaged audiences, according to a report by WIRED.
"Emily Hart" is a completely fictional online persona created using generative AI tools, including image-generation models and chat-based systems. The character was presented as a young, conservative American nurse with patriotic and right-wing views.
The creator, identified in WIRED's report as "Sam", a pseudonym, said he designed Emily as a "registered nurse and Jennifer Lawrence look-alike" and built her Instagram presence around lifestyle and political content.
Her posts included images of fishing trips, firearms training, and American flag-themed outfits, paired with captions expressing conservative views on immigration, abortion, and religion.
Sam initially experimented with generic AI-generated "hot girl" content but found low engagement. He then used AI assistance to refine the concept, shifting toward a politically charged identity.
The AI tool used by Sam is designed to remain neutral and does not promote political viewpoints unless prompted, according to a representative.
Emily Hart's Instagram account quickly gained traction, with some posts reaching millions of views and the account gaining over 10,000 followers within a month.
Sam later monetised the persona through subscription-based platforms and merchandise, including politically themed content and apparel.
He estimated earning "a few thousand dollars a month," while spending less than an hour a day managing the account.
The content was later expanded to paid platforms, where users could access exclusive AI-generated material.
Experts say AI-generated influencers are increasingly successful when they tap into political identity and emotional engagement.
Platforms like Instagram require disclosure of AI-generated content. Emily Hart's account was eventually removed for "fraudulent activity."
