Meta (Facebook) has rolled out its latest innovation, Meta AI, an AI-powered chatbot integrated across its social media and messaging platform suite. Like ChatGPT and Gemini, this tool boasts text generation and image creation capabilities. However, what sets it apart is its persistent presence—it cannot be disabled, contrary to initial assurances from the AI chatbot.
Welcome to Facebook—Your New AI Assistant Will Help You?
Recently introduced, Meta’s AI assistant, powered by Llama 3 LLM, has become an inescapable fixture for users across various Meta apps. Prompting users with the invitation to “ask Meta AI anything,” this feature greets users upon accessing the search bar on Instagram and Facebook, as well as in chat interfaces on Messenger and WhatsApp.
Meta (Facebook) is spending a lot of Money on AI
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, proudly announced during a first-quarter earnings call the company’s ambition to establish “the most used and best AI assistant in the world.” Despite such aspirations, not all users are thrilled about this development. Some liken the imposition of Meta AI to Apple’s infamous forced download of a U2 album onto everyone’s iPhone.
Business Insider delved into Meta AI’s functionalities and competitive landscape among other chatbots and explored whether users can avoid its omnipresence.
Functionality-wise, Meta AI mirrors the capabilities of its AI chatbot peers, offering assistance across a spectrum of topics from general inquiries to more nuanced queries. Users can engage with Meta AI seamlessly within their feeds, chats, and searches, with conversation histories conveniently accessible within Messenger and Instagram.
Everyone Loves a Freebee!
Moreover, Meta AI is touted as “the most intelligent AI assistant you can use for free” by Meta, and it’s available in a dozen countries beyond the US. It facilitates the creation of AI-generated images and GIFs, enhancing user interactions within the platform.
A notable distinction of Meta AI is its integration directly within social media apps, eliminating the need for users to switch between standalone applications. While other chatbots like ChatGPT require separate installations, Meta AI marks the first instance of such technology seamlessly woven into multiple social media platforms.
Privacy Concerns?
Contrary to concerns about privacy, Meta AI operates independently of users’ social media accounts and personal information. For instance, queries about one’s Instagram followers prompt the AI to request the user’s username rather than accessing the information directly.
However, unlike chatbots that offer users the flexibility to activate or deactivate them at will, Meta AI cannot be turned off. Despite initial misinformation suggesting otherwise, Meta has clarified that turning off the chatbot is not an option, leaving users without an escape route if they do not choose to use this new feature.
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