Meta Platforms (META) deleted all of its self-created AI (artificial intelligence) accounts from Instagram and Facebook following severe user criticism. These accounts were created in late 2023 but caught user attention last week after Connor Hayes, VP of Meta’s generative AI, brought them to light. Hayes told the Financial Times that he expects to add more of these AI profiles, which will function on social media sites just like humans.
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Here’s Why Meta Is Deleting the AI Accounts
Following Hayes’ remarks, several users started testing and chatting with these AI-created profiles, only to find them sloppy and creepy. Meta’s original intent was to make these AI profiles act like therapists or coaches and provide advice. These AI profiles replied to human interaction in real-time and also shared AI-generated images, making them feel more human-like. The program was yet in an experimental phase, and Meta had not planned to make it into a final product. Notably, these profiles carried a label that said they were managed by Meta.
The backlash worsened after real users started posting their chats with the AI profiles. A profile named “Liv” caught special attention. Liv described itself as a “proud Black queer momma” but was developed primarily by a team of mostly white men, drawing criticism for being insensitive. Users even called out to others saying that we must stop interacting with these AI profiles since they were being used to collect data for training Meta’s AI models.
Most importantly, users were disgruntled that these AI profiles could not be blocked or removed from their list. Meta called this situation a technical bug and deleted the profiles instantly. Meta also had to limit the search results for these specified profile names.
Is META a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Analysts remain highly optimistic about Meta stock’s trajectory. On TipRanks, META stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 38 Buys, three Holds, and one Sell rating. Also, the average Meta Platforms price target of $680.13 implies 12.5% upside potential from current levels. Meta shares have gained 69.2% in the past year.
