Weekly Prompt: Instagram’s user-created AI chatbots and more

Meta tests user-created AI chatbots on Instagram

Meta has started testing its new "AI Studio" tool on Instagram, allowing creators to develop AI chatbot versions of themselves. Announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, this early test is being rolled out in the U.S. and aims to enhance user engagement on the platform.

Zuckerberg revealed that users might soon see AI versions of their favourite creators and interest-based AI chatbots, primarily in messaging. These AI interactions will be clearly labelled to ensure transparency. For now, users will see a notice at the top of AI-generated messages indicating that the messages are created by AI and may contain inaccuracies.

The AI Studio allows creators to build AI chatbots that can respond to followers' questions and engage in conversations that reflect the creator's style. This initiative is intended to help creators manage the influx of messages they receive and maintain interaction with their community.

Initially, the feature is being tested with about 50 creators, including notable accounts like the meme account Wasted and technology creator Don Allen Stevenson III. The company plans to refine these AI chatbots through this beta phase and expand access to more users and creators in the coming months, aiming for a broader launch by August.

Zuckerberg also discussed the broader implications of AI avatars in a recent interview. He emphasised that Meta's vision includes enabling not only creators but also small businesses to develop AI chatbots tailored to their specific audience and customer base.

Sources: Social Media Today, TechCrunch, The Verge

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