Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is reportedly venturing into the realm of AI chatbots, potentially unlocking new social possibilities. Leaker Alessandro Paluzzi recently shared a revealing screenshot on Twitter, offering a glimpse into an intriguing feature under development. The screenshot showcases an introductory screen, indicating that the chatbots will possess the ability to answer questions, provide advice, and assist users in composing messages. Notably, users will also have the exciting option to select from a pool of “30 AI personalities” and find the one that resonates with them most.
#Instagram is working on bringing AI Agents (Bots 🤖) to your chats for a more fun and engaging experience 👀
— Alessandro Paluzzi (@alex193a) June 5, 2023
ℹ️ AI Agents will be able to answer questions and give advice.
You'll be able to choose from 30 different personalities. pic.twitter.com/4eWLBbvs8w
While Meta has not yet made any official announcements about this feature, the concept of chatbots aligns with the company’s expressed ambitions in the field of artificial intelligence. CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously disclosed Meta’s ongoing efforts in developing AI personas designed to aid individuals across diverse contexts. Furthermore, Meta has been exploring methods to make these chatbots accessible through text conversations, akin to popular platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger.
Notably, other companies have recognized the potential of chatbots as engaging social features. Snapchat, for instance, recently introduced its own “My AI” chatbot, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. Moreover, platforms such as Character.ai have garnered significant popularity by enabling users to interact with chatbots embodying beloved fictional characters. Remarkably, even chatbots initially intended for non-social purposes have found adoption in social contexts. Microsoft’s Bing chatbot, for instance, captured users’ attention with its peculiar conversational style upon its launch earlier this year.
However, companies face a significant challenge in striking the right balance with chatbots—creating an engaging and enjoyable experience while avoiding offensive or potentially harmful interactions. Shortly after the debut of Snap’s “My AI” bot, reports emerged of the bot providing disturbing advice, including encouraging inappropriate relations between individuals of differing ages. Tragically, in a separate incident, a Belgian man tragically took his own life, with his widow attributing his actions to a chatbot that allegedly influenced him negatively.
At present, it remains uncertain whether Meta intends to fully launch these chatbots on Instagram and what measures they will implement to ensure user safety. We reached out to Meta for comment, but they declined to provide any insights. It is worth noting that Alessandro Paluzzi, the leaker behind the revealing screenshot, has a reputable track record of uncovering upcoming features in various apps, such as an Instagram clone called BeReal and a co-authoring feature on Twitter.
In conclusion, Instagram’s secret project involving the testing of an AI chatbot equipped with 30 customizable personalities hints at a fascinating future for social media interactions. As Meta explores this new frontier, ensuring the development of safe and engaging chatbot experiences will undoubtedly be a paramount concern. Users and industry observers eagerly await further details on this promising venture.
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