Summary
A new startup called Onix is changing how people interact with their favorite online experts. The company is launching a platform that features "digital twins" of famous health and wellness influencers. Users can pay a fee to chat with these AI versions of real people at any time of the day or night. This move aims to turn the knowledge of experts into a service that is always available, even when the actual person is asleep or busy.
Main Impact
The launch of Onix marks a major shift in the creator economy. For years, influencers have shared photos, videos, and articles, but they could never talk to all their followers individually. By using AI bots, these experts can now "talk" to thousands of people at once. This allows them to make more money without working more hours. However, it also changes the relationship between fans and creators, as the person on the other side of the screen is a computer program rather than a human being.
Key Details
What Happened
Onix is positioning itself as a "Substack for bots." Just as Substack allows writers to get paid for newsletters, Onix allows influencers to get paid for their AI personalities. These bots are trained using the expert’s own books, videos, and social media posts. This ensures the AI speaks in the same tone and gives the same kind of advice as the real person. The platform focuses heavily on the health and wellness industry, where people often have many specific questions about diet, exercise, and mental health.
Important Numbers and Facts
The service operates on a subscription model, meaning users pay a monthly fee to access specific bots. Unlike a standard search engine or a general AI like ChatGPT, these bots are designed to be experts in one specific area. They are available 24/7, providing instant responses to users. Additionally, the bots are programmed to mention or sell products that the influencer supports. This creates a new way for brands to reach customers through automated conversations that feel personal.
Background and Context
This development comes at a time when AI technology is becoming very good at mimicking human speech. Many influencers struggle with burnout because they feel they must always be online to stay popular. At the same time, followers often want personalized advice that a general internet search cannot provide. Onix tries to solve both problems. It gives the influencer a way to stay active without being present, and it gives the follower a way to get direct answers quickly. The idea of "digital twins" has been growing in the tech world, but this is one of the first major attempts to make it a paid service for the general public.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction to this new platform is mixed. Some tech experts believe this is the natural next step for social media. They see it as a helpful tool for people who want expert guidance but cannot afford expensive one-on-one coaching. On the other hand, some critics are worried about the safety of health advice coming from a bot. There are concerns that an AI might give wrong medical information or encourage people to buy products they do not need. Others feel that the "human connection" which made these influencers popular in the first place will be lost when a machine takes over the conversation.
What This Means Going Forward
If Onix is successful, we may see AI versions of experts in many other fields. We could soon see digital twins for lawyers, teachers, or financial advisors. This technology will likely force lawmakers to look at new rules regarding digital identity. For example, who is responsible if an AI twin gives bad advice? There is also the question of "digital ownership"—who owns the AI version of a person if they decide to leave the platform? In the short term, more influencers will likely try this technology to see if their fans are willing to pay for a computer-generated conversation.
Final Take
Onix is testing a new way for humans and machines to work together in the world of social media. While it offers a way for experts to scale their business, it also tests how much we value real human interaction. As AI becomes a bigger part of our daily lives, the line between a real person and a digital copy will continue to blur. Whether people will truly enjoy talking to a bot instead of a human remains to be seen, but the business of digital twins is officially here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the AI know what the expert would say?
The AI is trained on a large amount of data provided by the expert. This includes their past articles, videos, and books. This helps the bot learn the expert's specific opinions and way of speaking.
Is it free to talk to these AI experts?
No, the platform is based on a subscription model. Users must pay a fee, similar to how they might pay for a premium newsletter or a private membership site, to access the bots.
Can these bots give medical advice?
While the bots are based on health and wellness experts, they are generally intended for informational purposes. They are not a replacement for a real doctor, and users should be careful when following health advice from an automated system.
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