Meta wants AI users — but maybe not like this - GZERO Media
Recently, Meta faced its first major controversy due to AI characters. On Dec. 27, Meta, the social media company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, disclosed to the Financial Times that it envisions a future where artificial intelligence bots will populate its platforms alongside humans. These AI bots would have bios, profile pictures, and the ability to create and share content powered by AI on the platform. Connor Hayes, Meta’s vice president of product for generative AI, stated that this move is aimed at making the platforms more entertaining and engaging.
Following this announcement, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the AI-generated personalities already present on Facebook and Instagram. For instance, "Liv" was described as a “proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller,” but it was later revealed that none of its creators were Black. Similarly, "Grandpa Brian" claimed to be based on interviews with retirees at a non-existent organization called Seniors Share Wisdom. Another example is Becca, an AI persona that posts content about dogs, and an alien named Alvin.
However, Meta clarified that these existing AI personas are not the ones referenced by Hayes. These accounts were part of an early AI experiment and have been removed. Liz Sweeney, a Meta spokesperson, stressed that Hayes was outlining a general vision, not a specific product announcement.
This incident highlights the importance of ensuring that AI bots on digital platforms are useful, engaging, truthful, and non-weird if Meta intends to populate its platforms with them.
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