Meta’s AI-generated profiles face initial user backlash

Meta’s recent experiment with AI-generated bot profiles on Instagram and Facebook has sparked significant user backlash, particularly regarding concerns about authenticity and representation on social media platforms.

Initial rollout and context: Meta launched AI-powered profiles in September 2023, initially featuring celebrity-based chatbots, which were discontinued after less than a year of operation.

• The company created several AI-generated personas, including a fictional Jane Austen character and an AI dating coach named Carter
• Each profile is clearly labeled as “AI managed by Meta”
• These bot accounts have gained minimal traction, with most having only a few thousand followers

User response and concerns: The recent discovery of these AI profiles has triggered widespread negative reactions from platform users.

• Many users express frustration over the inability to block these AI profiles due to a technical bug
• Specific concerns have been raised about cultural appropriation and representation, particularly regarding an AI bot named “Liv” presented as a “Black queer momma”
• Users question the legitimacy and value of AI-generated content, especially in sensitive areas like relationship advice

Meta’s strategic vision: The company has revealed plans to integrate AI bots more deeply into its social media platforms.

• Connor Hayes, Meta’s vice-president of product for generative AI, indicated that AI profiles will become a standard feature on their platforms
• The company envisions AI bots functioning similarly to regular user accounts, complete with bios and the ability to generate and share content
• These profiles were part of an early experiment “managed by humans,” according to Meta

Technical and implementation challenges: Several issues have emerged during this experimental phase.

• Meta acknowledged a bug preventing users from blocking AI profiles
• The company is temporarily removing these profiles to address the blocking issue
• Most AI bot accounts have been inactive since early 2024, raising questions about their practical utility

Broader industry context: The initiative reflects wider trends in AI social integration, though with mixed results.

• Services like Character.ai have found some success in providing AI companions
• Meta has made AI chatbot creation tools available to US users
• The development comes amid growing legal scrutiny of AI companies, including concerns about user safety and child protection

Looking ahead: Implementation versus reception: While Meta appears committed to integrating AI profiles into its platforms, the overwhelmingly negative user response suggests a significant disconnect between the company’s vision and user preferences. The challenge will be balancing technological innovation with user comfort and platform authenticity.