Facebook and Instagram's AI Infiltration: The Future of Social Media?
AI-created, human-edited.
As we kick off 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced a controversial plan to populate its social media platforms with AI-generated bot accounts. These AI influencers will create content, share posts, and interact with users, all in an effort to drive engagement as user growth stagnates. But will this move bring about a much-needed boost to Meta's platforms, or will it further erode the authenticity that users crave?
In a recent episode of the Tech News Weekly podcast, hosts Mikah Sargent and Abrar Al-Heeti dive into the pros and cons of Meta's AI bot revolution. Abrar raises concerns about the impact these bots could have on the already dwindling authenticity of platforms like Instagram, where polished influencer content often sets unattainable standards. She questions whether the introduction of AI bots will only exacerbate this issue, making the platform feel even more fake and manufactured.
On the other hand, Mikah points out that Facebook, despite its declining popularity among younger generations, still boasts a massive user base. He suggests that the platform's older demographic may not be as concerned with the authenticity of the content they consume, as long as it aligns with their interests and beliefs. For these users, AI bots could potentially provide a steady stream of engaging content, keeping them active on the platform.
Both hosts agree that the success of Meta's AI bot initiative will depend largely on how well these bots can mimic genuine human interaction. If the AI influencers can create content that resonates with users on a personal level, their artificial nature may be overlooked. However, if the bots churn out generic, impersonal content, users will likely see through the façade and disengage.
Ultimately, Meta's move to embrace AI-generated content reflects a growing trend in the tech industry. As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, companies are looking for ways to leverage this technology to drive growth and engagement. However, the long-term impact of AI influencers on social media remains to be seen.
To hear more of Mikah and Abrar's thoughts on Meta's AI bot revolution, as well as their discussions on the rise of AI-powered phishing scams, the retro tech revival among parents, and the current state of passkeys for secure logins, be sure to check out the full episode of Tech News Weekly.
