Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, is set to launch innovative AI chatbots with distinct personas across its social media apps, aiming to capture the attention of young users. These chatbots, set to be revealed at Meta’s “Connect” conference this week, will offer up to 30 different personalities, allowing users to engage in conversations that reflect different characters, from a surfer dude to Abraham Lincoln.
The plan to integrate these AI chatbots into social media has been in the works for months, with Meta also planning to introduce a chatbot creation tool, enabling celebrities and potentially regular users to design chatbots in their own unique style. However, concerns have been raised about potential misuse, where automated bots might be used to spread misinformation or falsely attributed quotes.
While the use of chatbot personas is seen as a novelty, some question their long-term engagement potential. Despite the humorous and entertaining nature of character-aligned responses, the true value of chatbots lies in providing accurate and informative answers to user queries.
Meta’s strategic move appears to be aimed at driving more usage within its apps and competing with other AI tool providers. It’s possible that the introduction of these persona-based chatbots is primarily a promotional tool to boost awareness and keep users engaged within Meta’s ecosystem. However, the ultimate success and long-term impact of this gimmick remain to be seen.