Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is preparing to launch a series of personality-driven AI chatbots with the aim of attracting younger users to its social media platforms. These chatbots are expected to roll out on various Meta-owned platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, and may offer productivity tools in addition to entertainment.
The chatbots are designed to engage users with their unique personalities. While specific details are scarce, internal documents have revealed one chatbot named “Bob the Robot,” loosely inspired by the character Bender from “Futurama.” Bob is described as a “sassmaster general” with a humorous and irreverent personality intended to resonate with young users.
Another chatbot called “Alvin the Alien” is designed to engage users in conversations and seek personal information to better understand humans. Some employees have raised concerns that users might perceive Alvin as designed to collect personal information, but Meta has emphasized its commitment to privacy.
Meta’s move to introduce personality-driven AI chatbots is part of its ongoing efforts to regain market share among younger users, particularly in the face of competition from TikTok. The company aims to make these chatbots available not only on traditional social media but also within metaverse applications.
Internal reports suggest that dozens of these chatbots, referred to as Gen AI Personas, are in development. Additionally, Meta is reportedly working on tools that will allow celebrities to create their own AI chatbots for interacting with fans.
It’s worth noting that other tech companies, such as Amazon and Snap, have also explored the use of AI chatbots to engage younger audiences, though these efforts have not been without challenges, including concerns related to privacy and content moderation.
In summary, Meta’s introduction of personality-driven AI chatbots reflects its strategy to appeal to younger users and enhance engagement across its platforms. The company aims to leverage these chatbots to create a more interactive and entertaining user experience.
