Meta aimed to offer a different experience on social media platforms with artificial intelligence (AI) supported bot profiles. However, these profiles were not received as positively by users as expected. These bots, which were first developed in 2023 based on the appearance and personalities of celebrities, were removed from the platforms in a short time. However, a few completely fictional AI profiles persist on the platforms and are just now attracting the attention of users.
These artificial intelligence-based characters include fictional writers such as “Jane Austen,” profiles describing herself as an outspoken mother named “Liv,” and a relationship counselor named “Carter.” However, these bots have not achieved significant popularity among users. While their posts are generally limited to a few likes, their number of followers is also at very low levels. Recently, posts about these bots on social media and media news have brought these accounts to the agenda again. But the resulting reaction is full of mixed emotions and criticism.
Users express their reactions openly
User criticism focuses on the functionality and ethical aspects of artificial intelligence bots. For example, one user commented on the bot named “Carter” that offers relationship advice: “What could an artificial intelligence know about a relationship?” He commented: On the other hand, it is noteworthy that the bot named “Liv” created discussions about identity representation and was found disturbing by some users. Additionally, the fact that these accounts cannot be blocked is seen as a big problem. The absence of blocking and restriction options in traditional user profiles in these bots is considered a significant deficiency for users.
Meta’s long-term plans for these bots remain unclear. Company officials state that they aim to have these artificial intelligence profiles appear more widely on social media platforms in the future. These profiles are intended to interact with users as digital entities capable of producing content, equipped with biographies and profile photos. However, this goal seems quite challenging considering the reactions of users and the low popularity of existing bots.
It seems that Meta wants to start a new era in social media with these artificial intelligence bots. However, the potential ethical issues brought by such innovations and the factors that negatively affect the user experience may make it difficult for the company to achieve these goals. Especially at a time when social media platforms are already changing the perception of reality, the presence of completely artificial characters can further complicate this perception.