Meta to Unveil AI Chatbot Possibly This Week... Targeting Young Audience

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is set to unveil a new artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot targeting younger audiences as early as this week, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 24th (local time), citing sources.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to the report, Meta is currently testing an AI chatbot with a unique personality internally that can be used across its social media applications. The first AI agent will be revealed at the Meta Connect conference starting as early as the 27th. WSJ stated, "This chatbot is a means to drive user engagement," adding, "Some may have productivity-related features to assist with tasks such as coding."

Meta’s unveiling of this AI chatbot is focused on attracting younger users. WSJ analyzed that targeting the younger generation has become Meta’s top priority in recent years, as TikTok’s popularity among teenagers has surpassed Instagram. Earlier, in October 2021, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to "reorganize the team to better serve younger audiences." Furthermore, following the launch of ChatGPT in November last year and the rise of large language model (LLM) technology, Meta has been investing efforts in developing generative AI that can be applied across its various apps and the metaverse.

Sources revealed that Meta plans to develop dozens of AI chatbots, including products that allow celebrities and creators to interact with fans or followers through their own AI chatbots. According to internal documents obtained by WSJ, one of the bots currently in development is 'Bob the robot,' characterized by "exceptional intelligence, sharp wit, and biting satire."

This is not Meta’s first time launching a generative AI-based chatbot targeting younger users. Previously, Snap introduced My AI, built on GPT technology, for Snapchat users. Silicon Valley startup Character AI has also released chatbots that play roles of specific characters or celebrities, such as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, WSJ noted growing skepticism about when AI-based chatbots will start generating meaningful revenue for companies. In the U.S., monthly online visitors to ChatGPT decreased from May to July and plateaued in August.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.