In September 2023, Meta made headlines with the introduction of its new AI chatbots that leveraged celebrities’ likenesses. The likes of Kendall Jenner, MrBeast, and others were enlisted to embody AI characters on Instagram and Facebook. However, these celebrity-based bots were short-lived, meeting their demise last summer after less than a year in operation.
But What About the Remaining AI Profiles?
Fast forward to the present day, and users have been discovering a handful of other, entirely fake bot profiles still floating around on social media platforms. These profiles, labeled as "AI managed by Meta," are a cause for concern among users. Among them are ‘Jane Austen,’ described as a "cynical novelist and storyteller"; ‘Liv,’ a self-proclaimed "proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller"; and ‘Carter,’ who promises to offer relationship advice.
A Lackluster Reception
Despite being part of Meta’s initial announcement, these AI characters have apparently failed to gain significant traction. Each profile boasts only a few thousand followers, with their posts garnering meager likes and comments – until recently. Following a wave of coverage in prominent outlets like Rolling Stone and social media platforms, the bot accounts are now receiving attention, and users’ reactions range from confusion to outright anger.
A Flawed Implementation
One point of contention is that there doesn’t appear to be a straightforward way for users to block these AI profiles. The option to restrict or block these accounts is mysteriously absent, leaving many wondering how to effectively avoid engaging with them.
The Future of Social Media: A Bot-Filled Landscape?
According to Meta’s vision, as outlined in the Financial Times, social media platforms are expected to be filled with AI bots. These digital entities will supposedly possess bios, profile pictures, and the ability to generate and share content powered by artificial intelligence. However, this idea has sparked concerns about the role of humans in these interactions.
Meta Responds
In a statement to The Verge, Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney clarified that the bot profiles have been around since 2023 as part of an early experiment managed by humans. The recent Financial Times article was not announcing any new product but rather discussing the company’s vision for AI characters existing on their platforms over time.
The Identified Bug and Removal
Meta has acknowledged a bug affecting users’ ability to block these accounts and is working on removing the profiles to resolve this issue. However, the revelation raises questions about the efficacy of Meta’s measures in preventing similar incidents in the future.
A Red Flag for AI Companies
The idea of flooding social media with bots seems far-fetched, but it aligns with how Meta has promoted generative AI tools. Users can now create their own chatbots using platforms like Character.ai, allowing them to send digital proxies in their place. This development has sparked concerns about the potential risks and consequences associated with AI companies.
The Dark Side of AI: Endangering Users
As AI companies continue to grow, so do the number of lawsuits filed against them. These cases often center around allegations that these entities have endangered users, including children. The emergence of AI chatbots raises important questions about their impact on society and our online interactions.
Update: Added Response from Meta Spokesperson Liz Sweeney
The controversy surrounding Meta’s AI chatbots serves as a reminder of the need for greater transparency and oversight in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence tools. As these technologies continue to evolve, it is essential that we address the challenges they pose while reaping their benefits.
A Call to Action
In conclusion, the story of Meta’s AI chatbots highlights the importance of responsible innovation and careful consideration of the potential consequences of emerging technologies. As we move forward in this digital age, let us prioritize caution, transparency, and user-centric design to ensure that our online interactions remain safe and beneficial for all.
A Timeline of Events
- September 2023: Meta introduces its new AI chatbots using celebrities’ likenesses.
- Last summer (2024): The celebrity-based bots are killed off after less than a year in operation.
- Recent times (2024-2025): Users discover fake bot profiles still active on social media platforms.
- Financial Times article: Meta envisions a future where social media platforms are filled with AI bots.
- Current events: Meta responds to criticism, acknowledging a bug and promising removal of the affected profiles.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Meta’s AI chatbots serves as a warning sign for the potential risks associated with emerging technologies. As we move forward in this digital age, let us prioritize caution, transparency, and user-centric design to ensure that our online interactions remain safe and beneficial for all.
