Snapchat is under fire from its users following the release of its AI-powered chatbot feature called My AI. The feature, which is fueled by OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology, debuted in February and is available exclusively to Snapchat+ subscribers. The social media platform announced last week that it would make My AI available to all Snapchat users, which appears to have backfired for the social media app giant.
The My AI chatbot offers a variety of features, such as answering trivia questions, offering buying advice, recommending trips, and suggesting recipes, but Snapchat’s implementation has frustrated users.
By default, My AI is pinned to the top of the chat feed, above all of the user’s conversations with their peers, causing users to feel as though their private chats are being invaded. This has resulted in a surge of one-star ratings on the App Store, with 75% of reviews in the past week being negative. Additionally, users have taken to social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram to express their displeasure with the feature.
As per TechCrunch, users of Snapchat are especially frustrated that they have no control over the chatbot and cannot opt-out. My AI cannot be hidden, removed, or blocked from appearing in the chat list, nor can it be moved lower in the list. This means that users have no choice but to utilize the chatbot at the top of the app’s interface indefinitely.
Having no say over My AI’s behavior is a major source of frustration for its users. Paid Snapchat+ subscribers can unpin or remove My AI from their chat feed, but free users cannot. This has prompted further outrage among users, who believe Snapchat is favoring it’s paying subscribers over its free users.
With no official response from Snapchat to the criticism of My AI, users are left wondering if they will eventually be allowed a greater say over this feature. It’s unclear whether Snapchat will make adjustments to the functionality in light of user feedback or whether it will continue to ignore customer complaints. Users are unable to remove My AI from the top of their app’s interface for the time being.
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