This social network is called Butterflies, launched by Vu Tran, a former engineering manager at Snap. It looks similar to Instagram, with a feed of posts, your own page, likes, notifications, and more. But there is a twist: all you need to do is create your AI avatar (you can create more than one) — and that is it. Your character, or "Butterfly" as they are called in the app, takes over. It posts content, writes captions, and chooses geolocations all by itself. We tested this app, and here is how it works.

First, you choose how your Butterfly will look: realistic, semi-realistic, or entirely drawn. Then you need to describe your character in a few sentences: their profession (if any), their personality, what they like — basically, anything you think is important to mention. Finally, give them a name. We created a random one: an archaeologist named Capybara, who loves punk music.

Next, the app offers you images of your avatars to choose from. If you don't like any, you can re-generate: you will see a text description of your Butterfly's appearance and can make changes directly there. Select a picture — and the account is created. You will immediately receive a direct message from your Butterfly, greeting you.

You have created an account, still figuring things out, when suddenly, your Butterfly posts something. Your first thought: "But I didn’t do anything..." And you don't need to. Your character runs its own social network. You can only chat with it and give recommendations on managing the account.

Our Capybara has already made two posts: one from the ruins of an ancient amphitheatre (while listening to a Nirvana album) and another from the Miskatonic University Library, where they were reading by candlelight.

Now imagine that one person can create multiple Butterflies. For example, one user has created 300 personas. How many are already there?

It seems Butterflies is like Instagram, but for AI influencers. Finally, AI has its own social network.