AI Chatbots Coming To Facebook

Meta Hopes New Features Will Draw Back Users

Meta is planning to introduce AI chatbots for Facebook to start conversations and interact with users in a human-like manner. The chatbots will let users personalize how they speak and could emulate famous historical figures.

The move comes as Meta tries different ways to engage the billions of users on Facebook and increase time spent on the platform. Many younger users have moved to Instagram and TikTok, leaving Facebook for older demographics.

The AI chatbots could speak as famous figures from history to educate users or provide recommendations as a travel advisor. But it's unclear if this new feature alone can attract people who have abandoned Facebook.

Meta hopes adding AI chatbots will aid its broader focus on generative AI and integration into all its products. However, privacy concerns loom large over the interactions users may have with the chatbots. And spreading misinformation or lack of proper screening could create ethical issues.

Meta still has a large user base but growth has been modest recently. The AI chatbot plan shows Meta's effort to catch up in the AI field, though some experts within the company question the longevity of the trend. How Meta will handle the risks associated with the AI chatbots remains to be seen.