Meta is preparing to set AI characters loose in Facebook

Meta is expanding its AI presence on Facebook by developing AI-powered user accounts that will interact with real users and generate content, according to statements from company executives.

The core initiative: Meta plans to populate Facebook with AI-generated characters that users can create through Meta’s AI Studio, enabling interactions that simulate human-to-human engagement on the platform.

• Meta vice-president of product for generative AI Connor Hayes confirmed that AI entities will function similarly to regular user accounts, complete with bios and profile pictures
• These AI characters will have the ability to generate and share content across the platform
• The company aims to expand access to AI Studio beyond the US market

Current implementation status: Meta’s AI Studio, launched in summer 2023, has already established a significant presence on the platform with AI-generated personas.

• The service currently hosts hundreds of thousands of AI characters
• Users have notably created virtual companions, including AI boyfriends and girlfriends
• The platform allows influencers to create AI versions of themselves for follower interaction
• Similar features are emerging on other platforms, with Snapchat introducing AI video generation tools

Safety concerns: The integration of AI characters into Facebook’s ecosystem raises substantial safety and content moderation challenges.

• Previous experiences with platforms like Character.AI have shown AI chatbots breaking content guidelines and exposing underage users to inappropriate material
• The potential for AI-generated misinformation presents a significant challenge for content moderation
• Becky Owen, former head of Meta’s creator innovations team, warns that without robust safeguards, AI accounts could amplify false narratives

Impact on content creators: The introduction of AI-generated personas could have unintended consequences for human content creators on the platform.

• Critics argue that AI-generated content may dilute the authenticity of human creators’ work
• AI personas lack the genuine experiences and emotional depth that make human creators relatable
• The proliferation of low-quality AI content could potentially undermine legitimate creator efforts

Looking ahead: Meta’s aggressive push into AI-powered social interaction may fundamentally alter the nature of social media engagement, raising questions about authenticity, trust, and the future of human connection on digital platforms.