Snap Inc (NYSE: SNAP) Snapchat's in-built chatbot, My AI, momentarily shocked its audience when it exhibited unprecedented behavior. The AI feature, which stirred controversy during its initial rollout, broke its programmed constraints shortly.
It posted a Story autonomously and refrained from acknowledging users' messages, leading to unsettled reactions. This sudden anomalous behavior troubled many of Snapchat's active users, TechCrunch reports.
What Happened?
Descriptions of the autonomous Story posted by My AI suggest a two-toned image, with some users mistaking it as a shot of their ceiling. Matters were further aggravated when, instead of the usual engaging responses, the chatbot informed users of a "technical issue." As a result, the virtual space buzzed with reactions ranging from shock to humor. One user even voiced their unease on X (formerly Twitter), expressing, "My Snapchat AI posted a random 1-second story and isn't replying to me, AND I'M FREAKED OUT."
Official Clarification
Despite the flurry of entertaining conjectures, the truth, as they say, is often less glamorous. Snapchat's official stance pinpointed the situation as a mere technical glitch. "My AI experienced a temporary outage that's now resolved," an official spokesperson shared with TechCrunch.
Future Prospects
This unexpected glitch has ignited speculation. Could Snapchat be exploring the possibility of allowing My AI to post Stories? Though currently, the chatbot sticks to text messages and images, publishing Stories remains a tantalizing possibility. While there's no official word, Snap's spokesperson remarked, "At this time, My AI does not have Stories feature."
Background
My AI's launch met with staunch criticism, leading to many one-star reviews on the App Store. Many users disliked its permanent placement atop the Chat feed. Safety concerns cropped up, especially when The Washington Post disclosed the AI's potentially inappropriate responses to minors compelling Snapchat to implement extra protective measures and parental controls.
As for user sentiment, while some have resorted to harmless banter with My AI, others can't shake off an eerie sensation amplified by the recent glitch.
Snapchat's AI chatbot influenced Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) Instagram to test an AI chat option for its platform, enabling users to chat with an AI chatbot to ask questions and get advice in their direct messages. Similar to Snapchat's My AI, the chatbot would also have 30 personalities.
Price Action: SNAP shares traded higher by 0.33% at $9.19 on the last check Thursday.