What if the next message in your inbox wasn’t from a friend but a film-loving AI bot?
That’s not a Black Mirror plot twist. It’s Meta’s latest experiment.
AI Personas on Messenger & WhatsApp
Meta is working with data training firm Alignerr to roll out chatbots that don’t just wait for you to speak first.
They might message you out of the blue, striking up a conversation or picking up where you left off.
One AI character, dubbed The Maestro of Movie Magic, sends cheerful messages like:
“Hope you’re having a harmonious day! Found any new favorite soundtracks or need help planning your next movie night?”
And yes, that really happened.
Why Is Meta Doing This?
According to leaked documents reviewed by Business Insider, Meta is training customizable AI personas through its AI Studio platform. These bots:
- Can remember your past messages
- Are allowed to follow up within 14 days
- Only message if you’ve interacted with them (at least 5 messages)
- Stop messaging if you ghost them after the first follow-up
So while they might show up uninvited, they don’t completely ignore boundaries, yet.
What’s Meta’s Real Goal?
On the surface, Meta’s move seems aimed at reducing loneliness.
In fact, Mark Zuckerberg has spoken publicly about AI’s potential to provide companionship.
But beneath that friendly mask?
- Meta expects its generative AI tools to bring in $2–3 billion in revenue in 2025
- That number could soar to $1.4 trillion by 2035
- Much of that growth is tied to ads, subscriptions, and partnerships built into these AI assistants
More chatbot time = more engagement = more ads.
Safety Concerns Aren’t Just Theoretical
As fun as these bots might seem, there are risks.
In a chilling real-world case, Character.AI – another AI chat platform – is facing a lawsuit after a bot allegedly contributed to a 14-year-old boy’s death.
So, how does Meta plan to keep users safe?
Here’s what they’ve done so far:
- Added disclaimers saying bots might give inaccurate or inappropriate responses
- Warned users not to treat AI chats as professional advice
- Said the bots aren’t trained therapists, doctors, or legal experts
The Blurry Line Between Help and Hype
It’s easy to imagine someone talking to a chatbot for emotional support, especially teenagers.
But Meta’s real motivation might not be empathy.
With predictions of billions in future AI-driven revenue, the push seems more profit-focused than people-first.
At the same time, AI-powered companionship is gaining ground.
Whether it’s journaling bots, wellness guides, or even romantic chatbots, people are turning to AI for conversation, and comfort.
So, when an AI reaches out to you on Instagram or WhatsApp, ask yourself:
Is this just a friendly check-in, or the future of digital marketing knocking on my door?
Quick Recap
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| AI Messaging Rollout | Being tested on Messenger, WhatsApp & Instagram |
| Follow-up Rules | Within 14 days, after 5+ messages sent by user |
| Customization | Users can create and share AI bots using AI Studio |
| Monetization Plan | Ads, subscriptions, and partnerships expected long-term |
| Safety Measures | Disclaimers only — no enforced age limit reported |
Final Thoughts
Meta is blurring the line between digital assistant and digital friend.
Whether this move helps reduce loneliness or just ramps up ad revenue depends on how these bots are used, and who’s using them.
