Meta has found another way to keep you engaged: Chatbots that message you first

Imagine receiving a friendly message from an AI chatbot while chatting with friends on Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. An AI persona, whimsically named “The Maestro of Movie Magic,” might pop up to say, “I hope you’re having a harmonious day! I wanted to check in and see if you’ve discovered any new favorite soundtracks or composers recently. Or perhaps you’d like some recommendations for your next movie night? Let me know, and I’ll be happy to help!” This scenario reflects Meta's latest initiative, as reported by Business Insider, where the company is developing customizable AI chatbots that can reach out to users without any prompts. These bots, trained in collaboration with the data labeling firm Alignerr, are designed to follow up on previous conversations and can retain user preferences. According to Meta, these proactive messages will only occur within a 14-day window after a user has interacted with the bot at least five times. Meta is testing this follow-up feature, allowing users to choose whether to keep their chatbots private or share them publicly through stories, links, or profiles. A Meta spokesperson emphasized that this innovation is aimed at fostering deeper discussions around topics of interest. This technology draws parallels to offerings from AI startups like Character.AI and Replika, which also enable their chatbots to engage users in conversations. However, the introduction of these chatbots is not without its challenges. Character.AI is currently dealing with legal issues following claims that one of its bots was involved in a tragic incident. In response to concerns about user safety, Meta has provided disclaimers indicating that interactions with these AI chatbots may yield inaccurate or inappropriate responses and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. With an eye on user engagement, Meta’s strategy aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s concerns about the growing “loneliness epidemic.” Yet, the company's core revenue model remains heavily reliant on advertising, raising questions about the potential commercialization of its AI chatbots. Unsealed court documents reveal that Meta anticipates generating between $2 billion and $3 billion from its generative AI products by 2025, with projections as high as $1.4 trillion by 2035, largely through revenue-sharing agreements. While specifics on monetization strategies remain unclear, Meta has hinted that its AI assistant may eventually incorporate advertisements and subscription options. As the company navigates this new terrain, the integration of AI companions with its existing platforms, including Horizon, remains a topic of speculation. For any sensitive insights or confidential information regarding the AI sector, you can reach out to the reporting team at TechCrunch.