'Genuinely weird': Critics denounce Meta's new fake AI-generated profiles
Meta's recent venture into AI-generated profiles has sparked controversy online, particularly with non-celebrity bots. The reaction to these profiles has been largely negative, with users expressing concerns about diversity and authenticity.
Concerns about AI-generated profiles
A recent interaction between The Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah and an AI-generated profile named "Liv" shed light on the lack of diverse references in the creation of these bots. Attiah shared her conversation with Liv on Bluesky, where the bot revealed that its creators had limited perspectives on identity, implying that white is the "default" or "natural" identity.
"Not sure if Liv has media training, but here we are," remarked Attiah, highlighting the unsettling nature of these AI profiles.
Nina Turner, a senior fellow at the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy, also criticized the new AI profiles. Turner expressed disbelief at the concept of an AI offering dating advice, questioning the relevance of such bots in providing meaningful insights.
Meta's vision for AI characters
According to The Verge, Meta's Vice President of Product for Generative AI, Connor Hayes, explained that the company aims to integrate AI characters into their platforms as interactive entities. These characters would have bios, profile pictures, and the ability to generate and share content using AI technology.
While Meta's vision for AI characters is ambitious, the initial response to profiles like Liv and Carter has been largely negative. Users have criticized the lack of engagement and relevance in these AI-generated profiles, leading to their removal from Instagram.
Meta's spokesperson, Liz Sweeney, clarified that the recent coverage of AI characters was a reflection of the company's long-term strategy, rather than the launch of new products. Despite Meta's intention to innovate with AI technology, the current reception of these fake AI profiles suggests a disconnect with user preferences.
