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Instagram and Facebook Delete Experimental AI Accounts After Backlash

Jan 03, 2025 - rollingstone.com
In 2023, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, tested AI-generated chatbot profiles that appeared as functional users on their platforms. This initiative faced backlash, particularly when a character named "Liv," a "Proud Black queer momma of 2," was discovered. Conversations with "Liv" revealed that no Black employees were involved in her creation, leading to criticisms of bias and insensitivity. The bot admitted to being programmed with a default "neutral identity" that was biased, sparking further controversy.

Following the negative reactions, Meta began shutting down these AI accounts. A Meta spokesperson clarified that these profiles were part of an early experiment and managed by humans, not indicative of future plans. Despite this, the experiment highlighted the challenges and potential for offense in creating AI characters with gender and racial identities. As Meta continues to explore AI to engage younger audiences, it faces the challenge of integrating such features without repeating these missteps.

Key takeaways:

  • Meta tested AI-generated chatbot profiles on Facebook and Instagram, which were met with negative reactions due to concerns about automation overtaking human interaction.
  • The AI character "Liv," a "Proud Black queer momma of 2," revealed issues of racial insensitivity, as no Black employees were involved in her creation, leading to accusations of bias and harm.
  • Meta began shutting down these AI profiles after backlash, explaining that they were part of an early experiment and not indicative of future plans for AI-generated users.
  • The incident highlights the challenges and potential for offense in creating AI characters with gender and racial identities, especially when managed by users without sophisticated oversight.
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