Meta Retires its Celebrity-Styled AI Bots | Social Media Today
Less than a year after launch, Meta has decided to quietly retire its celebrity AI chatbots. Back in September, when Meta first launched its new AI chatbots which communicate in the style of celebrities, I noted that:
“It seems like more of a gimmick, which will generate initial interest, for sure, but that’ll wear off quickly.”
I’m actually not sure that they even generated that initial buzz, but now, less than a year after launch, Meta has decided to quietly retire its celebrity AI chatbots, with several of them going offline in recent days.
Reasons for Retirement
As reported by The Information, Meta has made the decision to move on from its celebrity-styled bots, for which it paid out millions to create chatbots in the likeness of various celebrities. The primary reason for this retirement is the lack of user interest in conversing with bot versions of celebrities, which contradicts the social and human elements that Meta's apps aim to deliver.
Facebook and Instagram have built their platforms on human connection, friendship, family ties, and staying updated on current trends. The addition of celebrity bots goes against the core values of these social media platforms, as users prefer genuine interactions over automated conversations.
Meta's Continued Efforts
Despite the retirement of celebrity AI chatbots, Meta is still pushing its Meta AI chatbot and has recently launched a platform for creators to build their own bot versions of themselves. This move reflects Meta's commitment to advancing AI technology, although it may not align with the essence of social media as perceived by users.
While there may be a future for generative AI in Meta's metaverse vision, traditional chatbots seem to miss the mark in enhancing user experience within social media apps. The emphasis on AI-based chatbots within these platforms may not resonate with users seeking authentic interactions and connections.
Meta's substantial investment in futuristic technologies aims to revolutionize user experiences, particularly in virtual reality environments. However, the appeal of AI-powered chatbots in social media applications remains questionable, as users prioritize genuine engagement over automated responses.
