Meta's latest artificial intelligence experiment has raised eyebrows as Instagram users report seeing AI-generated versions of themselves appearing randomly in their feeds. The tech giant confirmed it's testing a feature that creates and displays AI-manipulated images of users who have previously used Meta's AI image tools.
The unexpected test came to light when users began noticing strange, AI-generated depictions of themselves in their Instagram feeds. One Reddit user discovered that after using Meta AI to edit a selfie, Instagram began displaying AI-generated versions of their face in targeted content.
These AI-created images place users in various imagined scenarios, creating what many describe as an unsettling "hall of mirrors" effect where multiple AI versions of the user appear to be interacting with each other. The generated images often fall into what experts call the "Uncanny Valley" - looking similar enough to be recognizable but different enough to create discomfort.
The test appears to be part of Meta's aggressive push into AI technology. According to recent statements by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Meta AI chatbot has attracted nearly 600 million monthly active users, representing about one-fifth of Meta's total user base.
While Meta continues to invest billions in expanding its AI capabilities, this latest experiment has sparked discussions about privacy and the changing nature of social media. Critics argue that such AI-generated content could dilute the authentic human connections that originally made social platforms appealing.
The company has not announced whether this feature will be rolled out more widely or if users will have the option to opt out of having their images used in this way. As Meta continues to integrate AI tools across its platforms, this test represents another step in the company's ambitious AI strategy, despite mixed user reactions to seeing their AI doppelgangers appear unexpectedly in their feeds.