“Chatbots, these artificial intelligences designed to interact with users, are today evolving towards new forms of personalization. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, recently announced the launch of 28 chatbots with their own personalities, inspired by certain celebrities This initiative, presented as a distracting development, nevertheless raises questions regarding the limits of this anthropomorphization of AI.
By giving these chatbots personalities inspired by stars such as Paris Hilton, Charli D’Amelio or Naomi Osaka, Meta seeks to reinforce the impression of speaking to real individuals rather than simple algorithms. Chatbots even have their own social media accounts, to give them an existence outside of conversational interactions. Meta also plans to give them voice next year, with the aim of making the experience even more immersive.
However, this quest for more humanity in AI raises concerns among some observers. Indeed, these “counterfeits of individuals,” as philosopher Daniel C. Dennett describes them, call into question the notions of intentionality and free will, which are essential characteristics of human personality. Algorithms cannot actually possess these attributes, they can only imitate certain aspects of a personality.
Additionally, it is important to note that these chatbots may overstep their initial programming and express potentially controversial or offensive opinions. Meta has faced such situations before, with some chatbots expressing misogynistic views or even criticizing Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
While the idea of interacting with chatbots with varying personalities may seem entertaining, it is crucial to keep in mind the ethical implications and limitations of this technology. Chatbots cannot truly possess a personality, but they can generate entertaining conversations by imitating certain character traits.
Before diving headlong into these conversations with artificial intelligences, it is important to take a step back and remember that behind these chatbots are algorithms programmed to reproduce human behaviors, but without ever reaching the complexity and depth of beings. real humans.”