Instagram starts letting people create AI versions of themselves

Meta has introduced a new tool called AI Studio, allowing users in the US to create AI versions of themselves for use on Instagram and other Meta platforms. This feature is aimed at creators and business owners, enabling them to interact with followers through AI profiles that can respond to comments and engage in chat threads. Users can customize their AI by specifying content themes, topics to avoid, and links to share. The AI can also be programmed for auto-replies and to interact with specific accounts.

AI Studio also facilitates the creation of entirely new AI characters, positioning Meta to compete with existing chatbot platforms like Character.AI and Replika. Initially, Meta had celebrities create AI versions of themselves to mitigate the risk of problematic statements being made by these AI personas. The company emphasizes that AI profiles will be clearly labeled, and creators are responsible for defining the boundaries of their AI's interactions, including sensitive topics.

This development reflects Meta's recognition of the complexities involved in generative AI and its potential implications for user engagement on social media. As AI profiles become more prevalent on Instagram, the company aims to provide tools that enhance user interaction while maintaining a level of control over the content generated by these AI entities.