The artificial revolution started last year, but the past months have shown us the impact of these learning machines to our digital consumption.
Last week, Apple revealed it to be testing AI chatbots to upgrade Siri in the next iOS updates. The announcement came after rival company Google introduced AI to Android and Google Assistant.
Social media platforms also launched their digital companions in the past months, all available on messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram).
The question arises as to the main root of these recent changes in the digital world.
Chatbots: The Key Towards Automated Customer Services
Companies have used automated customer services for a long time now. We have seen and experienced the frustration from the scripted answers.
The game changer with the new AI models is its flexibility to answer the customers' questions and problems.
Leading learning machine developer OpenAI revealed that companies use "ChatGPT to craft clearer communications, accelerate coding tasks, rapidly explore answers to complex business questions, assist with creative work, and much more."
Modern models like MetaAI have access to real-time information through the internet, making it capable to respond to most questions. Later iterations were even designed to replicate human speech to ease communication.
Recent innovations in AI have significantly expanded its use and capacities than its predecessors. From a logical standpoint, AI chatbots are the next for customer services.
Read Also: Apple Pushes Towards AI on Upcoming Releases
Novelty, Human Interest, and the Appeal of AI Chats
With the recency of accessible interactive AI, companies are also using the trend to boost engagement.
Big examples are Meta and X (formerly Twitter) launching AI companions for users to interact and chat with.
The very presence of these features creates conversation and attracts further attention to the subject. This can be seen in how the companies cater the devices to younger generations that have more access to the platforms.
Again, Meta introduced chatbots that take on "personas" according to the users' preferences, all intended for entertainment and discussion.
Google plans for a similar thing with its investment plans on Character.AI, a chatbot that mimics characteristics of historical personalities and fictional characters. The software is popular among younger generations aged 18 to 24.
Related Article: Meta to Launch AI-Powered Chatbots to Boost Engagement
AI as a Constant Companion
The under-discussed aspect of AI is its ability to provide constant and easy companionship to people online.
This has already been capitalized by dating apps, integrating chatbots to match some users that might want to have a little prep time before the actual "talking stage."
New apps like Blush, Aimm, Rizz, and Teaser AI have dedicated AIs intended to court users. All collect data from user conversations to appeal to their tastes and likes.
Maybe the age of digital love partners is not so far after all.
