Well my friends, I have just learned about something that is happening, or is going to happen on FB, Insta, Threads and any other platform controlled by Meta. They have been working on the AI tech for awhile now, as we know. But here is evidence of where they are ultimately going with that. It’s a strange idea, but ultimately, their goal is to keep people using their platform and never leave for any reason. They are already known to discourage outbound links, even blocking Canadian news organizations completely.
Now, they are implementing AI generated profiles, like the one pictured here. Incredibly, this one is labelled as such, but I can imagine a day when that label is no longer disclosed. Regular users cannot block these AI generated profiles, so there will be no avoiding them. And what is the point? These fake profiles are meant to engage regular users to continue using the platform. They will take over the regular content generators/businesses who use FB to market their products and services, but because all products and services are not available on FB, they will likely be diminished in voice to the point of having to pay for any reach at all.
I can already see that bots and scammers and fake profiles seem to be proliferating on FB and Insta, and I knew that Meta wasn’t discouraging the spread. But here we see that they are actually implementing their own version of the “problem”.
Here is a thread on BlueSky that outlines the finding. This is worth a read: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:esmiuxk53vmsllayghrq676w/post/3letbbsvqgc2a
These are just my thoughts on what has been happening and what might happen in the future. So I ask you, friends, what are your thoughts and what do you make of all this?
I need to read further but I have limited use of Facebook to connecting with some family and our neighborhood group. I doubt I will leave Facebook entirely for those reasons but I have limited my time on that platform and rarely post unless it is something I specifically want to share, usually on our neighborhood group (I am involved with our neighborhood association and represent it on some important matters).
I cancelled my Twitter account months ago. I have a Bluesky account and find it a well balanced and respectful platform. It is possible to select who one follows and be relatively free of bots or folks with an agenda.
I think AI is making clear the risks of any platform and especially those that seek to monetize time spent on it.
All of this is to say that although I enjoyed the Louise Penny Book Club, I find BCFs a welcome alternative.
I have been giving serious thought to leaving FB because of what it has turned into. It is for me one way to keep in touch with some friends but even that is not the same anymore.
I am old, I am tired, and I just want to feel safe when I communicate with others. That’s what I feel here. This kind of change is definitely on my to do list this year.
This is very strange! A big surprise for me on the direction and use of AI, but I guess it does make sense if you think about it from the perspective of business, profits, and, unfortunately, power. I do think FB is an excellent tool, or can be, or used to be, for staying in contact or getting connected to real people that you already know. The danger is in connecting to new people.
I agree that it can be useful for groups and friends and family where the connections in real life are already established. But I do see that there is the issue that because so much more is available… other interest groups, fun stuff, public figures (e.g. LP), it’s so easy to venture out of the safe bubbles and into more public areas. Then it’s impossible to avoid being exposed to AI or scammers or disinformation. It can be very dangerous unless one is very disciplined not to venture outside of known circles of friends and family.
I rarely post on FB anymore, but read posts on groups that I follow. I generally use its Messenger to communicate with family and friends. I find this site a much more welcoming environment for posting and commenting.
Another reason to limit Facebook and read everything with a huge grain of salt.
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/01/07/business/meta-fact-checking?unlocked_article_code=1.nU4.lbzh.rvHdVi3w8GsM&smid=url-share
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Thank you for the link Jane. This is alarming and worrisome.
This was concerning news to read today, Jane. Thanks for sharing. The increase in hostility that could come as a result is worrying, as it won’t be limited to a single social media platform once information is distributed, consumed and ingrained.
Thanks, everyone, for sharing news and thoughts. It’s important to be aware of what’s happening in the world around us.
I think North Americans both adults and children need to be taught media literacy, as part of the education curriculum now. I read that in Finland children are being taught how to spot misinformation and fake news. I remember in high school, we only learned the very basics of budgeting and economics yet learned how to make aprons and bake pizza. I think understanding the tools being used to manipulate information that we have access to has become a fundamental life skill that people need to learn. But I admit all of the AI and data driven apps etc is like sci fi to me and I have no idea where it will all lead.
I have never been much of a social media user. I keep track of some of my friends and family this way, and may appreciate the humor or insight some sites share, but seldom comment on much. The most involved I’ve ever been is on a few sites, like The Louise Penny Book Club and the author’s own site, where I can discuss books and generalities. I really enjoy this particular website because it feels safer and more genuine than what I’ve found elsewhere. I appreciate the efforts the admins have put into trying to keep it honest. I hate the thought that reality can be so distorted by AI, and people can consciously put out lies and misleading information in order to control and manipulate others. I suppose one can always say, “let the buyer beware,” but I think that many people want, like Armand Gamache, to believe that goodness exists in people —and we know it does, in so many— and will take statements at face value because they seem so real and why would anybody bother to be lying about such things. And if you add deepfake videos, etc., it’s even harder to disbelieve your eyes, and as it gets more and more sophisticated, it really does become impossible to know for sure what’s real and what isn’t if you just go by what you see or hear on some of these sites. Knowing that this is being done with the sole purpose of fooling the public so that somebody out there profits nauseates me, and I won’t participate in it. I like Maureen’s idea that kids (and adults!) should be taught media literacy — ASAP! We need to know how to deal with this, because it’s only going to get worse, from what I can see.
I hadn’t even thought about deepfakes. Good point, Susan. These are scary times with the amount of power in the hands of so few, and knowing who those hands belong to.