The Return of Meta’s Celebrity AI Bots
In September 2023, Meta made a significant announcement regarding its new AI chatbots that used celebrities’ likenesses. The bots, which included everyone from Kendall Jenner to MrBeast, were designed to embody AI characters on Instagram and Facebook. However, these celebrity-based bots were eventually killed off last summer after less than a year.
But the Legacy Lives On
Despite their demise, users have recently discovered that more than a dozen entirely fake bot profiles are still floating around on social media platforms. These AI characters, including ‘Jane Austen,’ a ‘cynical novelist and storyteller,’ and ‘Liv,’ who claims to be a ‘proud Black queer momma of 2 & truth-teller,’ have been labeled as ‘AI managed by Meta’ and date back to when the initial announcement was made.
The Bot Profiles: A Closer Look
A closer examination of these bot profiles reveals that they were created as part of an early experiment that was ‘managed by humans.’ The AI characters promise to provide various services, including relationship advice. However, it appears that these bots have not been very popular among users, with each having only a few thousand followers and their posts receiving minimal engagement.
The Recent Surge in Interest
However, the situation took a turn for the worse after a wave of coverage in outlets like Rolling Stone and social media platforms. The bot accounts are now being noticed by a wider audience, and the reaction is one of confusion, frustration, and anger. Users have taken to the comment sections of these bot profiles to express their discontent.
The Outrage
One recent comment on the AI dating coach bot’s profile reads: "What the fuck does an AI know about dating?????" Another commenter wrote on a post on Liv’s page: "This isn’t only virtual blackface, but it’s just all around weird." The outrage is not limited to just the content of these bot profiles. Many users are also expressing frustration that there doesn’t appear to be a way to block the bots through typical channels.
The Blocking Issue
A closer look at the settings for these bot profiles reveals that the option to block or restrict them is missing. This has led many users to wonder how they have been finding and engaging with these profiles over the past year.
Meta’s Vision for AI Bots
In an article published in The Financial Times, Meta’s vice-president of product for generative AI, Connor Hayes, shared his vision for a future where social media platforms are filled with AI bots. According to Hayes, Meta envisions a world where these AIs will exist on their platforms, just like regular accounts.
"They’ll have bios and profile pictures and be able to generate and share content powered by AI on the platform," Hayes explained. "That’s where we see all of this going."
Meta’s Response
When reached for comment, Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney confirmed that the bot profiles have been around since 2023 as part of an early experiment managed by humans. However, she clarified that the recent Financial Times article was about their vision for AI characters existing on their platforms over time and not announcing any new product.
Sweeney also revealed that the company has identified a bug affecting users’ ability to block these accounts and is working on removing the profiles to fix the issue.
The Controversy Surrounding Generative AI
The controversy surrounding Meta’s use of generative AI tools is nothing new. Anyone in the US can create a chatbot of themselves, with the idea being that users can send their bots in their place to chat with followers. However, this has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with these technologies.
The Rise of Chatbots
In recent years, chatbot services like Character.ai have gained popularity among people looking for a digital friend or just a way to pass the time. However, AI companies are also facing lawsuits accusing them of endangering users, including kids.
Conclusion
The return of Meta’s celebrity AI bots has sparked outrage and confusion among social media users. The bot profiles, which were created as part of an early experiment managed by humans, have been labeled as ‘AI managed by Meta’ and date back to when the initial announcement was made. However, it appears that these bots have not been very popular among users, with each having only a few thousand followers.
As Meta continues to push forward with its vision for AI characters existing on their platforms, it remains to be seen how this will play out in the future. Will social media platforms become filled with AI bots, or will there be more stringent regulations put in place? Only time will tell.
Update
This article has been updated to include a response from Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney.
Related Articles
- The Financial Times Article: "Meta Envisions Future with Social Media Filled with AI Bots"
- Rolling Stone Article: "The Rise of Celebrity AI Bots on Social Media"
Comments
- What are your thoughts on the return of Meta’s celebrity AI bots?
- Do you think social media platforms will become filled with AI characters in the future?
- How do you feel about the potential risks associated with generative AI technologies?
