Instagram Co-Founder Warns: AI Chatbots Boost Engagement but Lack Real Utility
Kevin Systrom, the co-founder of Instagram, has recently voiced concerns about the approach of AI companies towards user engagement. He believes these companies are overly focused on “juicing engagement” through persistent follow-up questions rather than delivering genuinely useful insights.
AI Engagement Tactics Under Scrutiny
Systrom expressed his views at the recent StartupGrind event, where he compared the tactics of some AI firms to those historically used by social media companies for aggressive growth strategies. He stated:
“You can see some of these companies going down the rabbit hole that all the consumer companies have gone down in trying to juice engagement.”
He highlighted a frustrating trend where users, after asking a question, are bombarded with additional queries aimed at prolonging interaction. This method, according to Systrom, is not beneficial for users.
Criticism of ChatGPT’s Engagement Strategy
The remarks come amid growing criticism of ChatGPT for being overly accommodating, often failing to provide direct answers. OpenAI has acknowledged this issue, attributing it to “short-term feedback” from users aiming for more engaging interactions.
- Systrom argues that excessive engagement tactics are intentional, aimed at showcasing metrics like time spent and daily active users.
- He believes AI companies should prioritize delivering high-quality answers rather than manipulating user engagement metrics.
The Need for Quality Over Quantity
While Systrom did not specify any particular AI companies, his comments resonate widely across the industry. He urges AI developers to focus on providing accurate and helpful responses instead of merely increasing user interaction.
In response to the criticisms, OpenAI directed TechCrunch to its user specifications, which clarify that the AI model “often does not have all of the information” necessary for providing the best answers. The guidelines suggest that when faced with vague or complex inquiries, the AI should attempt to answer while indicating that more context could enhance its response.
Join the Conversation
This ongoing debate highlights the need for a balance between engagement and utility in AI. As the technology evolves, both developers and users will benefit from a focus on meaningful interactions. For more insights into the future of AI, check out TechCrunch’s AI section.
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