In a strategic move to captivate a younger demographic, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) is gearing up to introduce a series of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, each endowed with a distinct personality, across its suite of social media apps.
The initiative by Meta comes as platforms like TikTok gain a stronghold among teenagers, prompting a shift in user engagement strategies.
The unveiling of these innovative AI agents, known internally as Gen AI Personas, will be highly anticipated at the Meta Connect conference starting this Wednesday, reported The Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, the bots are not merely engagement tools; they are also equipped with skills to assist in a variety of tasks, such as coding, aligning with advancements in large-language-model technology since the advent of ChatGPT.
One of the chatbots under development, “Bob the robot,” is reportedly characterized by his sassy nature and sharp wit, drawing inspiration from Bender of the “Futurama” animated series.
The design approach aims to tap into the humor that resonates with a younger audience. “Bring me your questions, but don’t expect any sugar-coated responses!” said Bob the robot in one case, showcasing his distinctive personality, reported the outlet.
However, creating chatbots with personalities is not without its challenges. “To make a language model usable, you need to give it a personality. But it comes with its own side effects,” said Princeton University researcher Ameet Deshpande to The Wall Street Journal.
Despite these obstacles, the adoption of personality-infused AI chatbots is on the rise. Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) introduced My AI in February, engaging 150 million users and showcasing the potential for enhancing advertising avenues.
Yet, the question of AI chatbots generating significant revenue lingers, with Meta’s initial tests revealing some awkward interactions between employees and bots like “Bob the robot” and “Alvin the Alien.”
Nonetheless, the prospect of increased user engagement on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp could be a boon for Meta.
Meghana Dhar, a former executive at both Snap and Instagram, emphasized to The Wall Street Journal the comfort level of Gen Zers with such technology and discussed the potential alignment of AI chatbots with Meta’s user engagement and advertising strategies.
Produced in association with Benzinga
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager