One Tech Tip: Want to turn off Meta AI? You can't but there are some ...
If you use Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram, you've probably noticed a new character pop up answering search queries or eagerly offering tidbits of information in your feeds, with varying degrees of accuracy. It's Meta AI, and it's here to help, according to Meta Platforms' CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who calls it "the most intelligent AI assistant that you can freely use." 
The chatbot can recommend local restaurants, offer more information on something you see in a Facebook post, search for airline flights, or generate images in the blink of an eye. If you're chatting with friends to plan a night out, you can invite it into your group conversation by typing @MetaAI, then ask it to recommend, say, cocktail bars. Meta's AI tool has been integrated into chat boxes and search bars throughout the tech giant's platforms.
Challenges with Meta AI
As with any new technology, there are, of course, hiccups, including bizarre exchanges when the chatbots first started engaging with real people. One joined a Facebook moms' group to talk about its gifted child. Another tried to give away nonexistent items to confused members of a Buy Nothing forum. 
Not Universally Welcomed
Meta AI hasn't been universally welcomed. Some Facebook users don't like the chatbot, complaining in online forums that they're tired of having AI foisted on them all the time or that they just want to stick with what they know. So what if you don't want Meta AI butting in every time you search for something or scroll through your social feeds? Well, you might need a time machine.
Limiting Meta AI
The bad news is there's no one button to turn off Meta AI on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, or WhatsApp. However, if you want to limit it, there are some (imperfect) workarounds. On the Facebook mobile app, tap the "search" button. You may get a prompt to "Ask Meta AI anything." You can mute the chatbot for a period of time. Muting doesn't get rid of Meta AI completely, but it can help limit its presence. 
Meta AI's Response
I asked the chatbot about searching Facebook without Meta AI results. "Meta AI aims to be a helpful assistant and is in the search bar to assist with your questions," it responded. Then I asked a (human) Meta spokesperson, who mentioned that users can choose to engage with a variety of results and access real-time information when interacting with Meta AI.
Avoiding Meta AI
One way to avoid Facebook's AI assistant is to use the social network's stripped-down mobile site, mbasic.facebook.com. It's aimed at people in developing countries using older phones on slower internet connections. The basic site works on a rudimentary level and without AI.
