Constructing and evolving with the virtual self
Exploration of digital twins and experiential living
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20398780 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Samantha Tauber (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 2619-2636 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | AI & Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0951-5666 • E-ISSN: 1435-5655 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s00146-025-02594-2 |
| OpenAlex | W4414947614 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 20 |
This practice-led research paper examines the creation and embodied experience of VNCCII, a digital avatar identity and fictional A.I. Superheroine who serves as the protagonist of a developing science fiction franchise. VNCCII also functions as my alter ego and stage persona, existing both physically and digitally. This paper outlines the tools, processes, and methodologies used in designing and actualizing this digital twin, highlighting challenges encountered as an independent, autodidactic artist. It further explores the construction of a digital twin through public engagements, live broadcasts, and musical performances, emphasizing the dynamics of avatar embodiment. In addition, the research considers the implications of crafting a compelling and trusted digital avatar identity, with particular focus on sovereignty, agency, and data governance. This study is presented as a continuously evolving ‘live’ document, documenting ongoing findings on the impact of sustaining a digital twin and detailing iterative advancements in developing a high-functioning digital twin identity and creative A.I counterpart. This research paper presents a systematic approach to the creation of a digital twin avatar identity through a six-step framework, providing a detailed account of VNCCII’s developmental progress within this model. Step 1 defines the digital twin’s function, with VNCCII positioned as a digital public figure in the entertainment industry. Step 2 outlines the design process, detailing the use of Maya, Cinema 4D, and Unreal Engine to bring the character to life. Step 3 explores the physical embodiment of the avatar, showcasing how motion capture technologies, live broadcasting, virtual production, and artificial intelligence enable real-time interactions. Step 4 presents observational research on live interactions between digital twins, humans, A.I. systems, and autonomous agents. Step 5 addresses the connection between the digital twin and a self-sovereign identity, focusing on strategies for protecting copyright, ensuring authenticity, and establishing a verifiable ‘proof of humanity.’ Step 6 outlines training an AI-powered bio-digital twin to create an interoperable A.I agent, assessing industry progress toward creating standardized ecosystems and real-time sovereignty protocols. Ultimately, this research paper presents a practice-led exploration of my development as a hybrid artist through the construction of a digital avatar identity, examining the symbiotic relationship between human creators and their digital AI counterparts
Avatar · Embodied cognition · Entertainment · Experiential learning · Metaverse · Digital Transformation in Industry · Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
The Sense of Embodiment in Virtual Reality
Deep Fakes
The ethics of artificial intelligence
Self-sovereign identity
Avatar creation in the metaverse
Self‐Motion and Cognition
The Internet of Bodies—alive, connected and collective
Empathy and AI
From video streaming to virtual reality worlds
Impro
Cosplay
The Proteus Effect
| Highly cited | No |
|---|