The Article Tells The Story of:
- Meta’s AI bot profiles spark frustration and criticism.
- Bots like “Jane Austen” and “Carter” attract negative attention.
- Users struggle to block profiles, calling it a “bug.”
- Meta plans an AI-driven social media future, despite backlash.
Meta’s AI Bots Face Backlash: Why Users Are Angry
Meta’s Controversial AI Profiles
Meta launched AI-powered profiles in 2023, using celebrity likenesses to represent chatbots on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These bots, including figures like Kendall Jenner and MrBeast, were short-lived, as they were removed by summer 2024. However, entirely fabricated AI profiles like “Jane Austen,” “Liv,” and “Carter” remain active. These profiles, labeled as “AI managed by Meta,” have not been well received.
The bots’ presence sparked widespread confusion and criticism. Many users questioned their purpose, with some describing them as inappropriate or unnecessary. Comments on the profiles reflect this frustration. For instance, a user questioned the credibility of “Carter,” a relationship advice bot, asking, “What does an AI know about dating?” Another comment on “Liv’s” page accused the initiative of being “weird” and “virtual blackface.”
Check Out Similar Article of Meta’s New AI Characters Transform Social Media Published on December 30, 2024 SquaredTech
Low Engagement and Blocking Issues
Meta’s bots have struggled to gain traction. Despite being active for over a year, most profiles have only a few thousand followers, with minimal engagement on their posts. Compounding the frustration, users discovered that they could not block or restrict these profiles through traditional means. Meta acknowledged this as a bug and stated that it was working to fix the issue.
A Vision for AI-Driven Platforms
Meta has ambitious plans to integrate AI more deeply into its platforms. The company envisions a future where AI profiles exist alongside regular accounts, complete with bios, profile pictures, and the ability to create and share content. This aligns with the broader trend of generative AI tools, which Meta has actively promoted.
However, this vision is not without controversy. Critics argue that flooding social media with bots undermines authenticity and raises ethical concerns. AI-generated profiles also face legal scrutiny, with lawsuits claiming they pose risks to users, including children.
Meta’s Response and Next Steps
Meta clarified that the bot profiles were part of an experiment managed by humans. The company confirmed that the profiles were not a new product launch but rather an early initiative. A spokesperson stated that Meta is removing the profiles temporarily to address the blocking issue and improve user experience.
Conclusion
Meta’s AI bot experiment has highlighted the challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into social media. While Meta sees a future driven by AI profiles, the negative reception suggests that users are not ready to embrace this concept. For now, the company must address user concerns and reconsider its approach to blending AI with social interactions.
Stay Updated: Artificial Intelligence
