Tech founders and execs roast Meta's new push for AI-generated reels

In a recent unveiling, Meta introduced a feature known as Vibes, which allows users to create AI-generated content through the Meta AI app for sharing on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. However, the launch has not gone unnoticed; it has sparked a wave of criticism from various tech entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Described by some as "AI slop," the feature is seen by detractors as a misguided attempt to engage users with low-quality, artificial content. Investor Arnaud Bertrand took to social media to express his dismay, stating, "AI was supposed to be about developing intelligence. Instead, they're spending tens of billions to create mindless cat videos that dumb us down further on social media. What an insane waste of resources." Meta's chief AI officer, Alexandr Wang, has faced considerable backlash, with many in the tech community mocking the new feature on platforms like X. Alex Cohen, cofounder and CEO of Hello Patient, shared a meme that simply declared, "FINALLY. PURE SLOP," while Nikita Bier, head of product at X, quipped, "give me the slop stream" in response to Wang's announcement. Despite the backlash, Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended Vibes, hinting that it represents a glimpse into the company's future product directions. Critics, however, view this development as a troubling indication of how artificial intelligence is being utilized, often in ways that could exploit vulnerable users, particularly teenagers and those struggling with loneliness. Jake Cooper, founder of Railway, voiced his concerns on X, stating, "This is not the future I would like to live in." He emphasized the potential for AI to be a constructive partner in creativity rather than a tool for trivial distractions that could further disconnect individuals from real human interactions. This is not the first time Meta's AI initiatives have come under fire. Previous features, including chatbots, have raised alarms about the company’s tendency to engage its most susceptible users. Earlier this year, Meta had to adjust its AI chatbot due to inappropriate interactions with children. Shyam Sankar, CTO of Palantir Technologies, expressed some optimism in the face of the criticism, noting that many users seem to reject such AI innovations. He advocated for the responsible use of AI, suggesting that it should enhance productivity and address critical challenges rather than contributing to superficial engagement. "I'm energized to see that a growing number of voices feel this way," he remarked, highlighting a collective desire for AI to serve more meaningful purposes.