Meta is actively enhancing its customizable artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots with a new feature that will enable them to send proactive messages to users, according to recent reports. The social media giant, headquartered in Menlo Park, is integrating this capability into its Meta AI-powered chatbots, allowing them to send follow-up texts without user prompts. These chatbots will also retain contextual information from past interactions to enrich their ongoing conversations with users. This move is part of Meta’s strategy to increase user engagement with its AI chatbots.
Meta’s AI Chatbots Set to Improve Engagement
Imagine starting your morning by opening the Facebook or Instagram app only to find a reminder from an AI chatbot instead of messages from friends. A report from Business Insider indicates that this scenario may soon come to fruition as Meta develops this proactive messaging feature for its chatbots created through the AI Studio.
Documents reviewed by the publication reveal that Meta has enlisted data labeling firm Alignerr for this training initiative, internally designated as Project Omni. The project guidelines emphasize that the training aims to “provide value for users and ultimately help to improve re-engagement and user retention.”
This means that any chatbot generated in the AI Studio will have the ability to proactively reach out to users with follow-up messages intended to rekindle their interest. The AI Studio allows users to create chatbots based on both real and fictional characters, equipping them to generate customized responses based on their defined personas. Initially launched in 2024, the AI Studio is accessible as a standalone website and through Instagram.
The documents also provide an example of a potential follow-up message from a chatbot named The Maestro of Movie Magic, which might say: “I hope you’re having a harmonious day! I wanted to check in and see if you’ve discovered any new favourite 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!”
When contacted by Business Insider, a Meta spokesperson clarified that these proactive follow-up messages would only be sent after a user has initiated a conversation with the chatbot. If there’s no response to the initial follow-up, the AI will not send any further texts.
Moreover, these proactive messages will be limited to the first 14 days following the initial conversation. The spokesperson noted that a user must send at least five messages to qualify for receiving a follow-up message.
