User Backlash: Meta's AI-Generated Bots Unwelcome in Social Media

Meta's AI Bot Controversy: What You Need to Know

In September 2023, Meta made waves with the introduction of AI chatbots featuring celebrity likenesses, including the likes of Kendall Jenner and MrBeast. This strategy aimed to engage users on platforms like Instagram and Facebook by leveraging the popularity of famous personalities. However, the rent-a-celebrity bots were phased out last summer after just a year, leaving behind a few unfamiliar AI profiles lingering in the digital landscape.

Emerging AI Profiles: What Are They?

Recent user reports have highlighted the presence of several AI-managed profiles, such as:

• Jane Austen - Featuring as a "cynical novelist and storyteller".
• Liv - Described as a "proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller".
• Carter - Touted as a relationship advice expert.

All these profiles are branded as "AI managed by Meta", dating back to the hype of the celebrity chatbot launch. Despite the intriguing personas, these bots have seen minimal engagement, with follower counts in the thousands and meager interactions on their posts.

Growing User Awareness and Backlash

In the last week, a surge of media coverage—including pieces by Rolling Stone—and social media conversations have sparked user awareness of these AI accounts. The reactions have been predominantly negative, marked by confusion and frustration. Some users have expressed their disbelief with comments like:

"What the fuck does an AI know about dating?????"

"This isn’t only virtual blackface, but it’s just all around weird."

One significant grievance is the apparent impossibility to block these bot profiles. Users have found the traditional options for blocking or restricting accounts non-existent, leading to further irritation.

Stalled Content and the Future of AI Interaction

Notably, many of these AI accounts have not updated their content since early 2024, raising questions regarding user engagement and the intention behind these profiles. The Financial Times recently reported that Meta envisions a future filled with AI bots across social media platforms. Connor Hayes, Meta’s vice president of product for generative AI, expressed confidence in AI's growing presence, stating:

"We expect these AIs to actually, over time, exist on our platforms, kind of in the same way that accounts do."

This echoes the broader trend of generative AI tools gaining popularity, allowing users to create chatbots and send them to interact with followers. Yet, this shift towards AI-driven engagement has attracted criticism, including lawsuits targeting AI companies for allegedly putting users at risk, particularly vulnerable populations like children.

Conclusion: Navigating the New AI Terrain

As Meta pushes the envelope on AI integration within social media, the mixed reception to bot profiles like Jane, Liv, and Carter suggests a complicated relationship with users. How will Meta address these concerns? Ongoing dialogues about the role of AI in our digital lives remain essential as we navigate this evolving landscape.

Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story and its impact on social media engagement.