With Meta experimenting with AI-generated comments on Instagram, a new debate surfaced regarding the ethical use of AI. Instagram users who have access to test features can type comments on Instagram posts using AI. Social Media Influencer Jonah Manzno, who tests new social media features, released a video using this feature.
Through the ‘Write with Meta AI’ prompt on Instagram, users get AI-generated suggestions for comments on Instagram posts. A pencil icon along the text bar is available to access Meta AI. When a user taps on this icon, the social media platform provides three suggestions after analysing the photo. The users can choose the one they like the most. This feature is under experimentation by the social media platform, and there is no confirmation of its rolling out in the near future.
TechCrunch reports that a Meta spokesperson responded to their email regarding this tested feature.
“We regularly test more features for you to use Meta AI across our apps. Outside of DMs, you will find Meta AI there for you in areas like comments, feed, groups, and search to make your experiences more fun and useful.”
Notably, the company tested this feature on Facebook last year.
Ethical Considerations Regarding AI-generated Comments
As Meta has been spotted testing this AI feature, a new discourse is being generated regarding the ethical use of AI for typing comments. Some users may find this feature unethical, considering comments have emotional attachments and express true feelings for peers and friends. By using AI, the user on the receiving end may not be getting a genuine response.
Authenticity of Instagram
Social media platforms are often criticized for being unauthentic and fake. According to a survey conducted for the Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2024, one in four respondents said that it is difficult to distinguish between truth and fake news on TikTok and X. Facebook and Instagram also faced similar responses at 21 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The writer said
“Previous research shows that these audience concerns about misinformation are often driven less by news that is completely ‘made up’ and more about seeing opinions and agendas that they may disagree with – as well as journalism they regard as superficial and unsubstantiated.”
Now that Instagram is testing integrating AI in the comment section, the authenticity of the social media platform may become critical, considering the chance of comments on products and influencers being auto-generated.
