An AI-Generated Friend? Meta Is Testing AI Chatbots That Text You First – PCMag
These chatbots will text you once every 14 days to follow up on your previous chats.
AI chatbots are willing to answer most of your questions, but what if the AI started the conversation? According to Business Insider, Meta is testing AI chatbots that can follow up on past chats without a prompt.
The development was spotted in the guidelines for data labeling firm Alignerr’s “Project Omni,” and Meta has confirmed it. The follow-up chatbots use Meta’s no-code AI Studio software, a platform that enables anyone to create AI chatbots based on their interests.
“After you initiate a conversation, AIs in Meta AI Studio can follow up with you to share ideas or ask additional questions. This allows you to continue exploring topics of interest and engage in more meaningful conversations with the AIs across our apps,” a Meta spokesperson tells BI.
In Project Omni’s case, the objective is to provide value for users and increase engagement and user retention. One of the AI personas, “The Maestro of Movie Magic,” would ask users about songs they had discovered recently.
“I hope you’re having a harmonious day! I wanted to check in and see if you’ve discovered any new favorite soundtracks or composers recently. Or perhaps you’d like some recommendations for your next movie night? Let me know, and I’ll be happy to help!” the message would read.
These bots could be part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s larger vision for AI and how it could help forge relationships. Zuckerberg has mentioned that an average American has less than three close friends, and suggests AI agents could help bridge that gap.
It could also pave the way for a new revenue stream. These chatbots can be shared as direct links or added to profiles and stories. More engagement on Meta’s AI chatbots could result in more revenue, just like on the company’s social media platforms. Meta is projecting $2-3 billion in revenue through generative AI products in 2025.
Despite the engagement goal, the chatbots won’t be too intrusive, a Meta spokesperson tells BI. The follow-up messages would appear only once in 14 days, and only if the user has sent at least five messages to the chatbot during the same period. Also, if a user doesn’t respond to the first message initiated by the chatbot, it won’t initiate conversations ever again.
These bots are still being tested, and an official launch is yet to be confirmed.
The report arrives just weeks after reports of Meta AI app users unknowingly making their private chats public; Meta later added a prompt to warn people more explicitly.
Sign up for our What’s New Now newsletter to receive the latest news, best new products, and expert advice from the editors of PCMag.
Sign up for our What’s New Now newsletter to receive the latest news, best new products, and expert advice from the editors of PCMag.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Jibin is a tech news writer based out of Ahmedabad, India. Previously, he served as the editor of iGeeksBlog and is a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex information for a broader audience.
Read Jibin's full bio
Advertisement
PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.
© 1996-2025 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. All Rights Reserved.
PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.
