Meta, the social media giant formerly known as Facebook, is reportedly exploring plans to launch AI chatbots designed to imitate famous figures, including the iconic Abraham Lincoln. The move comes as Meta scrambles to retain users and fend off the threat from ChatGPT, a popular conversational artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI.
According to the Financial Times, Meta has been conducting trials with chatbots featuring distinct personas in an effort to boost user engagement. One of the personas being explored is that of a surfer who provides travel tips, a nod to CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s well-known passion for surfing.
The growing popularity of ChatGPT has cast a shadow over established tech giants, prompting Meta to accelerate its AI ambitions. Earlier this year, Zuckerberg emphasized Meta’s commitment to advancing AI, declaring it the company’s single largest investment. In July, Meta introduced its own AI model called Llama 2, which offers developers an alternative to OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language model.
However, while Meta has prioritized AI development, it has lacked a consumer-friendly AI interface comparable to ChatGPT or Snapchat’s My AI chatbot. The upcoming chatbots are expected to offer users fresh search functions and recommendations, but it remains unclear whether they will be available across all of Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp.
During an earnings call, Zuckerberg highlighted the potential of Meta’s AI technology, noting that AI-recommended content had contributed to a 7% increase in overall time spent on Facebook by users.
Meta’s foray into AI chatbots reflects its ongoing efforts to stay ahead in the evolving social media landscape. By imitating famous figures like Abraham Lincoln, Meta hopes to captivate users and provide a unique interactive experience. As ChatGPT gains traction, established tech giants like Meta are under pressure to develop their own AI services to maintain their user base.
It remains to be seen how users will respond to Meta’s AI chatbots and whether they can compete effectively with the likes of ChatGPT. Nevertheless, Meta’s focus on advancing AI technology demonstrates its determination to remain at the forefront of innovation in the social media arena.
