Meta has begun removing experimental AI-generated profiles from Instagram and Facebook after users expressed dissatisfaction with the accounts. Many labeled the posts as “cringe,” fake, and weird, while others voiced frustration over their inability to block these profiles.

Meta’s Experimental AI Profiles

In September 2023, Meta launched around 28 experimental AI profiles across Instagram and Facebook. These included:

• Carter (@datingwithcarter): A relationship advice expert
• Liv (@himamaliv): A “Proud Black queer momma of 2”
• Brian (@hellograndpabrian): A retired businessman

All profiles were managed by Meta and aimed at exploring user interactions with AI personas.

Meta’s Vision for AI Profiles

Connor Hayes, Meta’s VP of Generative AI, explained their long-term goals in an interview with the Financial Times:

“We expect these AIs to actually, over time, exist on our platforms, kind of in the same way that accounts do. They’ll have bios and profile pictures and be able to generate and share content powered by AI on the platform … that’s where we see all of this going.”

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User Behavior Trends

Recent data from The Washington Post highlights the growing popularity of AI companions. Users spend an average of 93 minutes daily on Character AI, far surpassing the 12 minutes spent on platforms like ChatGPT. By integrating AI profiles into Instagram and Facebook, Meta likely hopes to attract younger audiences.

Concerns Over AI Interactions

However, the rise of AI companions has sparked concerns. For example, Character AI was linked to a teenager’s suicide in Florida after the teen reportedly formed a deep attachment to an AI character.

Meta Responds

Amid the backlash, Meta spokesperson Liz Sweeney clarified to The Verge:

“The recent Financial Times article was about our vision for AI characters existing on our platforms over time, not announcing any new product.”

Sweeney also stated that the AI accounts are being temporarily removed to address a bug that prevented users from blocking them.

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