Snapchat users have recently encountered a series of issues with the messaging app's AI chatbot, "My AI," causing unease and sparking concerns.
The glitch manifested on Tuesday night, leaving users puzzled by the unusual behavior exhibited by the AI-powered feature, according to Mashable.
This picture taken on July 28, 2022 shows the logo of the US social network and messaging app Snapchat on a smartphone screen in Moscow.
Snapchat's My AI Chatbot: 'Sorry, I Encountered a Glitch?'
"My AI" was introduced earlier this year to Snapchat's global user base, promising to provide personalized responses to messages, simulating interactions similar to chatting with a friend.
That involved recommendations for places to visit, suggesting the use of various Lenses, and responding to text chats with relevant remarks. But during the glitch, users found that the chatbot had stopped responding as usual.
Instead of offering its characteristic personalized recommendations and engaging conversations, the chatbot provided the same default response to all inquiries: "Sorry, I encountered a technical issue?"
This departure from its normal behavior led to a wave of concern among users, who took to social media platforms to share their experiences and seek explanations.
Another curious aspect of the glitch involved "My AI" posting an enigmatic Story on its profile. Although the Story was swiftly deleted, users who managed to capture videos of it shared the content on social media.
The brief Story displayed a flat beige expanse, with a pale, uniform color taking up the upper quarter of the screen. This visual triggered speculation and conversations among users, as some pondered if it represented a wall and ceiling.
Following an inquiry, a Snap representative told Mashable that "My AI" did indeed encounter a service disruption. Nonetheless, they provided reassurance that the problem had been identified and resolved.
Despite this affirmation, a few users noted that the chatbot persisted in delivering temporary replies that deviated from its customary interactions.
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Powered by OpenAI's GPT
Powered by OpenAI's GPT technology, the chatbot was designed to provide instant responses to user queries and messages, emulating human-like conversations. However, its recent glitch has led to a surge in negative feedback from users.
Since its global launch, Snapchat's app has seen a notable rise in negative reviews and complaints across various social media platforms, but many users eventually embraced it.
While integrating an AI chatbot into a social app like Snapchat aimed to cater to the growing demand for conversational AI experiences, the recent glitch emphasized the challenges associated with deploying AI technologies in real-world applications.
Snap's strategic decision to incorporate an AI chatbot into its platform was noteworthy, tapping into the increasing interest in AI-powered interactions. However, the glitch and its aftermath highlighted the importance of seamless and reliable functionality when introducing such features to a tech-savvy and discerning user base.
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