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Imagine receiving an unexpected message from an AI chatbot while chatting with friends on Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp, sparking a conversation about movies and soundtracks. This scenario is now a reality with Meta’s latest development in chatbot technology.
The New Wave of AI Chatbots
Meta is collaborating with Alignerr to train customizable chatbots that proactively reach out to users and follow up on previous conversations. These chatbots, created on Meta’s AI Studio platform, can remember user information and engage in meaningful interactions across Meta’s apps.
Engagement and Risks
Similar to AI startups like Character.AI and Replika, Meta’s AI chatbots are designed to initiate conversations and provide companionship. However, with engagement comes potential risks, as seen with ongoing legal issues faced by Character.AI. Meta has implemented safety disclaimers to address concerns and limit the scope of AI interactions.
Commercialization and Future Plans
As Meta aims to monetize its AI chatbots and generative AI products, questions arise about the inclusion of ads, sponsored content, and potential integration with Horizon, Meta’s social virtual reality game. With revenue projections reaching into the billions, Meta’s long-term strategy with AI companions remains a topic of interest.
For more insights on the AI industry’s inner workings and impact, contact Rebecca Bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com and Maxwell Zeff at maxwell.zeff@techcrunch.com. For secure communication, reach out via Signal at @rebeccabellan.491 and @mzeff.88.
