Look, I have no idea why Meta thinks that letting people create AI bot versions of themselves is something that will have real, tangible value to the users.

But for whatever reason it's doing it, it is indeed looking to do this, with new screenshots showing its evolving AI bot-creation framework. ; reported by The New York Times:

The program, called 'Creator A.I.,' which is just starting to be tested, would let influencers communicate directly with fans via direct messages on the social network and possibly even Instagram comments down the road, said five people briefed on the company's plans. Essentially, the program would be a chatbot that mimics the 'voice' of the Instagram influencer responding to fans, the people said.

The main aim, according to Meta, is to assist larger creators with administrative tasks such as responding to fan comments.

But is that, like, actually helpful? Is talking to a bot masquerading as a celebrity or influencer engaging or even interesting?

Or, more fundamentally, is it "social", as these are, by definition, "social media" experiences?

For whatever reason, Meta believes that the ability to create bots will be a giant differentiator and is also banking on the hope that people will want to interact with bots simulating famous people's interest in their existence.

But I'm not convinced by this.

For instance, Meta's celebrity bots are great in some conditions. They can be helpful in "providing answers on recipes, fitness plans, etc." But that's not so valuable; it is because they're responding in a style of a celebrity. And I would argue this adds nothing at all to the process.

Really, I just don't understand why a company built on the premise of connecting people now aims to connect people with bots and facilitate virtual engagement in a way that-if anything-removes people further from actual engagement with actual humans.

For example, I can understand Mark Zuckerberg's infatuation with AI, and the possibilities of large language models. But is this really the best use of this tech?

Any way, it's coming, by all accounts. Meta has been tinkering with this new AI bot creation process for years, and these latest screenshots would definitely suggest it's getting close to launch.

So, get ready to pour your heart and souls into their comments from the AI version of your favorite influencer.

New age indeed.