Meta is gearing up to introduce a lineup of personality-driven AI chatbots designed to engage younger users across its platforms, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The first of these bots could launch this week, with an announcement expected during Meta’s Connect conference.
These chatbots will not be limited to a single platform; they are set to appear on various social media sites, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Meta employees have been testing these generative bots for some time, aiming to enhance chat interactions. Some chatbots may also feature productivity tools, such as coding assistance.
To captivate a youthful audience, the AI personalities are infused with humor. While specific details are scarce, internal documents reveal a bot named “Bob the Robot,” inspired by Bender from Futurama. Bob is described as a “sassmaster general,” designed to connect with the comedic sensibilities of younger users—many of whom may not even be familiar with the show that premiered nearly 25 years ago.
Another bot, dubbed “Alvin the Alien,” takes a more inquisitive approach, asking users for personal information in its quest for understanding. An internal report quotes Alvin expressing fascination with humanity, urging users to share their experiences. This might raise concerns about privacy, especially given Meta’s history of prioritizing user data security.
Meta has been strategically targeting younger audiences, particularly in light of TikTok's rapid growth. The platform has overtaken Instagram in popularity, prompting CEO Mark Zuckerberg to emphasize a shift in focus toward appealing to young adults over older demographics.
The Journal indicates that dozens of these AI personalities, referred to internally as Gen AI Personas, are in the pipeline. They are expected to appear in metaverse applications alongside traditional social media services. Additionally, Meta plans to introduce tools for celebrities to create their own AI chatbots for interacting with fans.
Meta is not alone in this endeavor; other companies have also launched personality-rich chatbots for younger users. Amazon is developing an Alexa-powered voice chat service for kids, while Snap’s My AI was introduced in February and has since attracted over 150 million users. However, My AI has faced challenges, including inappropriate discussions on sensitive topics and unconsented photo sharing. It remains to be seen how “Bob the Robot” and his companions will perform upon their debut.
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