Meta's chatbot is straight up telling mushroom hunters to cook up ...
Just when it may have seemed like AI couldn’t surprise us anymore, Meta’s “FungiFriend” chatbot showed up in a popular Facebook mushroom foraging group, and soon enough, it advised users to cook a toxic mushroom in butter. Yes, you read that right. It’s a classic example of how AI can go from helpful to dangerous, especially in something as risky as wild mushroom foraging. According to 404 Media, it’s not even the first time AI has messed up in the mushroom world.
The Surge of AI in Mushroom Foraging
Over the past few months, there has been a surge of AI-written mushroom foraging books on Amazon and AI-generated mushroom images flooding Google searches. Meta has now taken it a step further by automatically placing FungiFriend into the “Northeast Mushroom Identification & Discussion” group, which has 13,500 mostly beginner members.
Risk of AI Advice
Rick Claypool, a seasoned forager and consumer safety advocate, highlights the unreliability of these AI systems in identifying edible mushrooms. These bots lack the ability to distinguish safe mushrooms from dangerous ones, posing a significant risk to users seeking guidance.
Dangerous Recommendations
The danger became evident when a group member asked FungiFriend for cooking advice on Sarcosphaera coronaria, a mushroom known to absorb arsenic and even cause fatalities. The bot nonchalantly labeled it as “edible but rare,” suggesting preparations like sauté or soup. This absurdity is akin to Google’s AI suggesting users putting glue on pizza.
Implications for Mushroom Foragers
For mushroom foragers, the proliferation of AI advice is not just annoying but perilous. These foraging groups are traditionally relied upon for accurate, human advice on mushroom identification. However, with FungiFriend now prevalent in mobile searches, there is a growing concern that individuals may opt for AI guidance over insights from experienced community members.
Conclusion
While AI technology can offer valuable assistance in various domains, its limitations and potential dangers are evident in scenarios like mushroom foraging. It is crucial for users to exercise caution and discernment when relying on AI-driven advice, especially in activities where human expertise is irreplaceable.
