Meta is facing backlash over its AI-generated comments on Instagram, which some users believe are artificially inflating engagement metrics to boost advertising revenue. The feature, currently being tested, suggests AI-generated comments based on the content of an image. Users have expressed concerns that this could lead to "fake engagement" and further erode the authenticity of online interactions.
The controversy surrounding Meta's AI-generated comments is not an isolated incident. The company has faced criticism in the past for its handling of AI-generated content, including the creation of fake user accounts on Instagram and Facebook. These accounts, which were designed to boost user engagement, were found to have fabricated identities and backstories, sparking concerns about the potential for AI to manipulate human emotion and perception.
The use of AI-generated comments on Instagram has also raised questions about the impact on advertising revenue. If engagement metrics are artificially inflated, it could lead to advertisers paying for fake or manipulated engagement. This has sparked concerns about the transparency and accountability of Meta's advertising practices.
