Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is gearing up to introduce an innovative generative AI chatbot known internally as “Gen AI Personas,” according to the sources familiar with the matter. This new chatbot, which is expected to be officially revealed during the Meta Connect event, aims to engage younger users with its colorful and dynamic behavior. Taking inspiration from the meteoric rise of ChatGPT, Meta’s new chatbot will come in various “personas” to cater to different user preferences.
Reportedly, Meta has already experimented with chatbot personas on Instagram, with some intriguing results. These personas include a “sassy robot” inspired by Bender from Futurama and an inquisitive “Alvin the Alien.” However, some concerns were raised about privacy implications, particularly with regard to data collection.
Meta intends to create numerous such chatbots, spanning a range of personalities. Additionally, the company is reportedly working on a chatbot creation tool that will allow celebrities to develop their chatbots for fan engagement. Some of these chatbots may also have a productivity focus, assisting users with coding and various tasks.
Read More: Another Group of Writers Sues OpenAI over Copyright Infringement
This move aligns with Meta’s broader AI initiatives, which include developing a powerful large language model to compete with OpenAI’s GPT-4. Additionally, Meta is working on an AI model to enhance its Horizon Worlds avatars. During the Meta Connect event, the company plans to delve further into its metaverse project and unveil the new Quest 3 headset.
Meghana Dhar, a former executive from Snap and Instagram, commented on the evolution of chatbots, noting that while they may not immediately scream “Gen Z,” younger users are increasingly comfortable with newer technology. Meta’s primary goal with these chatbots, like many of its products, is to engage users for longer periods, providing more opportunities to serve targeted advertisements.