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Snapchat is the latest social media platform to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology, launching an experimental feature called “My AI“. The platform is targeting its paid Snapchat+ subscribers with the chatbot, which has been customized for the app.
Snapchat’s My AI feature allows users to name the AI and give it a custom wallpaper. It’s designed to assist users with tasks like getting birthday gift ideas, writing poetry, getting recipes, and planning trips. However, the company has also provided some warnings to users.
Snapchat warns users not to share any secrets with My AI and not to rely on it for advice. The company also notes that conversations will be stored and may be reviewed to improve the product experience. As with all AI-powered chatbots, My AI is prone to hallucination and can be tricked into saying just about anything.
Early adopters of the feature can press and hold on a message with My AI to submit feedback. Snapchat is rolling out the new feature this week for Snapchat+ subscribers.
The custom ChatGPT integration used by Snapchat is a “fast mobile-friendly version” that’s been restricted in what it can answer. Snap’s employees have trained it to adhere to the company’s trust and safety guidelines and not give responses that include swearing, violence, sexually explicit content, or opinions about dicey topics like politics.
My AI has also been designed so it won’t work to write academic essays for students. Speaking to The Verge, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel says the plan is to eventually bring the feature to all Snapchat users, not just premium subscribers.
Spiegel sees talking to AI as an everyday occurrence, much like talking to friends and family. “This is something we’re well positioned to do as a messaging service”, he says. While the company is taking precautions, it’s worth noting that any AI-powered chatbot has limitations and can’t replace human interaction entirely.
