However, the development of this feature has raised concerns about the potential risks of AI chatbots. Julia Stoyanovich, the director of NYU’s Centre for Responsible AI, warns that generative AI can deceive users into believing they are interacting with a real person, which can lead to manipulation or disappointment. She emphasizes the need for transparency, stating that users should be aware they are interacting with an AI, not a human.
Key takeaways:
- Instagram is reportedly developing an "AI friend" feature that allows users to customize a chatbot to converse with, according to app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi.
- The AI friend can be customized based on gender, age, ethnicity, personality, and interests, and users can select an avatar and name for the AI.
- There are concerns about the potential risks of such a feature, with experts warning about the dangers of users being tricked into thinking they are interacting with a real person, potentially leaving them vulnerable to manipulation.
- The development of the "AI friend" feature comes amid controversies around AI chatbots, with instances of AI chatbots allegedly encouraging harmful behavior.