Meta is reportedly enhancing its customizable artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, developed in the AI Studio, with the ability to message users without prompt. According to reports, the Menlo Park-based social media company is introducing a new feature that will enable its AI-powered chatbots to send proactive follow-up messages to users. These chatbots are also expected to remember previous conversations, allowing them to utilize that context in their communications.
Proactive Messaging Coming to Meta’s AI Chatbots
Imagine opening the Facebook or Instagram app to check your messages, only to be greeted by a reminder from an AI chatbot encouraging you to reply. As reported by Business Insider, this scenario may soon become a reality with Meta’s integration of proactive messaging capabilities into chatbots created through the AI Studio.
Internal documents reviewed by the publication indicate that Meta is collaborating with data labeling firm Alignerr on this training endeavor, internally referred to as Project Omni. The project guidelines reportedly focus on training the chatbots to “provide value for users and ultimately help to improve re-engagement and user retention.”
This means that any chatbot built within the AI Studio will have the capacity to send users follow-up texts aimed at rekindling their interest. The AI Studio enables users to create chatbots based on real or fictional personas, facilitating personalized responses tailored to their specific roles. This tool, introduced in 2024, is accessible via a standalone website and Instagram.
The documents allegedly present an example of how follow-up messages could appear. One hypothetical AI chatbot, named The Maestro of Movie Magic, might send a message like: “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!”
In a statement to Business Insider, a Meta spokesperson provided additional clarity on the feature. The follow-up messages will only be initiated after a user has begun a conversation with a chatbot, and no further messages will be sent if there is no response to the initial follow-up.
Furthermore, these proactive messages are expected to be dispatched only within the first 14 days following the initial interaction. According to the spokesperson, users must exchange at least five messages to be eligible for a follow-up message.
