In an age dominated by online interaction, Meta introduces a groundbreaking innovation that blurs the boundaries between the virtual and the real.
Picture conversing with AI chatbots embodying the likes of Kendall Jenner or Paris Hilton.
Meta has unleashed a set of articulate AI chatbots featuring digital replicas of celebrities such as Jenner, Tom Brady, Paris Hilton, and Snoop Dogg.
These avatars transcend mere gimmickry, forming part of a broader strategy to elevate interactive chatting experiences.
The intriguing aspect is that these AI personas aren’t merely digital constructs but meticulously modeled after real celebrities.
For instance, Kendall Jenner’s AI, named Billie, assumes the role of your virtual “ride-or-die older sister.”
Charli D’Amelio transforms into Coco, a dance enthusiast, while Paris Hilton becomes Amber, a detective character.
Snoop Dogg’s avatar takes on the persona of a dungeon master, and Tom Brady’s becomes a sports talk show host.
Naomi Osaka’s AI, Tamika, expresses a love for anime.
With a total of 28 AI personalities, 15 are already accessible in the U.S., blending technology and celebrity influence.
Meta’s utilization of AI to craft these characters is notably impressive.
The profiles feature AI-generated images crafted from videos and photos of the celebrities, marked with an “Imagined with AI” watermark, acknowledging their digital origin.
Beyond the visual allure, these profiles are designed to authentically reflect the unique personalities of the celebrities they represent.
At the heart of this innovation lies the AI chatbot functionality. These bots engage in conversations on a diverse range of topics, providing users with a simulated interaction with their favorite stars.
However, there’s a twist – users are discouraged from addressing the chatbots by the celebrity’s name.
Despite their sophistication, these chatbots have limitations, as pointed out by digital culture expert Jules Terpak.
Notably, Jenner’s chatbot, despite her association with Gucci, recommended Converse and Vans when asked about sneaker choices.
This initiative, not without controversy, has faced criticism for celebrities seemingly seeking more fame and publicity by lending their faces and identities to Meta.
Nevertheless, the project has generated substantial online engagement, particularly with Jenner’s chatbot boasting nearly 200,000 followers.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, shed light on the rationale behind this venture at the Meta Connect 2023 conference.
He emphasized the company’s commitment to integrating AI to foster connections, justifying the choice of celebrities as a means to simulate conversations with someone familiar, rooted in the concept of parasocial relationships and the ‘economy of loneliness.’
The fascination with celebrities and their lives, akin to parasocial relationships, is a phenomenon Meta taps into.
Aimee Adam’s study on parasocial behaviors suggests that such virtual relationships can impact real-life connections, intertwining with the ‘economy of loneliness,’ where technology addresses social isolation.
As investor Hugo Amsellem notes, over 160 companies are exploring tech solutions for various social contexts, including loneliness.
Zuckerberg concluded with a call to “Create responsibly,” hinting at a future where everyone could create their AI, reminiscent of the film “Her.”
This vision suggests a future where AI interactions become normalized.
As we approach this reality, the question looms: are we prepared for a world where AI and celebrity personas merge, reshaping our social interactions and perceptions of companionship?
