I Asked WNBA Star Kelsey Plum's AI Twin About 'Pay Us What You Owe Us' - OutKick

2026-03-20 · Source: artifical intelligence via Google News · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, AI Ethics & Societal Impact · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

WNBA star Kelsey Plum has launched an AI twin service, developed by Talk2Me, allowing fans to engage in private, one-to-one conversations. The digital twin is reportedly built using authorized recordings and data to replicate Plum's tone, perspective, and leadership style. Initial fan reception on social media, particularly Instagram, has been largely negative, with many expressing discomfort with the concept and concerns about authenticity. Some fans also raised environmental impact concerns related to AI's energy and water consumption. An editorial analyst's attempt to interact with the AI twin about the WNBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) resulted in the chat abruptly ending, leading to speculation about system limitations or programmed shutdowns when discussing sensitive financial topics.

Key takeaway

For product managers developing fan engagement platforms, you should prioritize genuine interaction over AI-driven simulations. Your customers value authentic connections, and a digital twin, while novel, risks alienating fans who perceive it as a "soulless knockoff." Focus on features that facilitate real-world engagement or direct communication, ensuring transparency about AI's role to avoid backlash and maintain fan loyalty.

Key insights

AI digital twins offer personalized fan interaction but face skepticism regarding authenticity and financial literacy.

Principles

• Authenticity drives fan engagement.
• AI ethics include environmental impact.

Method

Talk2Me creates digital twins using authorized recordings and data to mirror an individual's tone, perspective, and leadership style for private, one-to-one fan interactions.

In practice

• Consider fan sentiment on AI interactions.
• Evaluate AI twin for sensitive topics.

Topics

• AI Twin Technology
• Fan Engagement Platforms
• WNBA
• AI Chatbots
• Digital Identity

Best for: Product Manager, Entrepreneur, Tech Journalist, AI Product Manager, AI Ethicist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by artifical intelligence via Google News.