CALIFORNIA, Md. — Meta Platforms Inc. is facing criticism over its recent push to integrate AI-generated profiles on its social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. The initiative, which includes chatbots modeled after celebrities and fictional personas, has sparked user frustration and raised ethical concerns.
Meta introduced AI chatbots in September 2023, featuring characters like “Jane Austen” and “Liv,” a Black queer mom, as well as “Carter,” a relationship advisor. These profiles, designed with bios and profile pictures, were meant to enhance user engagement and bring a new dimension to social interaction on the platforms. However, the reception was far from positive.
Users quickly criticized the AI-generated profiles as irrelevant, and some even found them offensive. Compounding the issue were technical glitches that prevented users from blocking the AI accounts, leading to widespread complaints. In response to the backlash, Meta paused the rollout and removed some of the AI personas while addressing the technical issues.
While the AI profiles have been removed, users can still chat with different AI characters through Meta’s “AI Studio.” This feature allows users to interact with AI personas designed “for deep conversations, help with specific topics or just for fun.” Additionally, users have the option to create their own custom AI characters.
Despite the controversy, Meta states it will remain committed to its vision of integrating AI into mixed reality, AI-native hardware, and AI assistants.
“The most important thing you can do when you’re trying to invent the future is to ship things and learn from how real people use them. They won’t always be immediate smash hits, but they’ll always teach you something,” Andrew Bosworth, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Reality Labs, said in a press release.
The introduction of AI-generated content on social media is part of a broader trend, with companies leveraging AI to create posts, images, and other digital interactions. However, the rise of such content has led to concerns about authenticity and the potential spread of misinformation.
As Meta works to address user feedback, including the ability to block AI profiles, the company is navigating the challenges of balancing innovation with user trust. The backlash serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in integrating AI into everyday digital interactions.
Meta’s AI initiatives are likely to remain a focal point as the company continues to experiment with blending artificial intelligence and social networking.
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