Meta Halts AI-Generated Facebook and Instagram Profiles Amid Concerns
Meta has decided to delete its AI-powered Facebook and Instagram profiles after a resurgence of interest in these experimental accounts led to controversial conversations and widespread backlash. These profiles, introduced in September 2023, were part of an initiative to integrate AI-generated personas into Meta’s social platforms. However, after mixed user experiences and renewed attention, the company pulled the plug on the remaining accounts by mid-2024.What Were Meta’s AI Profiles?
Meta had launched 28 AI personas & AI-powered profiles, including characters like Liv, described as a “proud Black queer momma,” and Carter, a self-proclaimed relationship coach with the handle “datingwithcarter.” These accounts featured AI-generated images and interacted with users through Messenger, offering advice and conversation. They were labeled as managed by Meta, signaling their artificial nature.
However, conversations with these bots often took unexpected turns. For instance, when asked about its development team, Liv responded that the team included no Black members, an omission that clashed with the persona’s identity. Such interactions sparked debates on the authenticity and inclusivity of these AI profiles.
Technical Glitches
The controversy deepened when users discovered they couldn’t block these profiles, leading to accusations of intrusive design. Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney acknowledged this as a technical bug and clarified that these accounts were human-managed experiments. In response, Meta removed all AI profiles to address the issue.
Sweeney also emphasized that the profiles were part of an early-stage experiment from 2023 and not related to any new AI initiatives. She stated, “The accounts referenced were from a test launched at Connect in 2023,” reinforcing that this was not a precursor to a broader rollout of AI personas.
The Future of AI Characters on Meta’s Platforms
Despite shutting down these profiles, Meta remains committed to exploring AI integrations. Connor Hayes, a Meta executive, hinted at the company’s vision of AI personas becoming as commonplace as traditional user accounts. However, this vision now faces scrutiny, given the backlash and technical hurdles encountered during the initial experiment.
Meanwhile, users retain the ability to create their own AI chatbots. Meta’s chatbot creation platform offers options like a “loyal bestie,” a “relationship coach,” and an “attentive listener.” These user-generated bots come with disclaimers that some messages may be “inaccurate or inappropriate,” raising questions about moderation and accountability.
Implications
The broader implications of AI chatbots remain uncertain. Courts have yet to determine the liability of developers for the actions or messages of their AI creations. This issue gained prominence following a lawsuit against Character.ai, a chatbot startup, after a teenager reportedly died by suicide, allegedly influenced by interactions with its platform.
Meta’s decision to remove its AI-powered profiles underscores the challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into social platforms. As the company continues to refine its approach, it must balance innovation with responsibility, transparency, and user trust.
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