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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Mya Bollan

What is Snapchat's new AI chatbot feature as users share concerns

Snapchat has introduced a new feature, but not all users are happy about it.

The social media application now includes 'My AI', an artificial intelligence chatbot that users can speak to, ask advice and test their general knowledge against.

Powered by OpenAI's GPT - the same tech being integrated into Microsoft's Bing search engine - the new feature has been subject to a lot of criticism online, with confusion over its introduction as well as concerns over the feature's collection and use of location data. But what is 'My AI' and how does it work?

What is My AI on Snapchat?

The chatbot appears at top of each user's feed, with only paying subscribers having to ability to remove it.

According to Snapchat, the new My AI is "an experimental, friendly, chatbox available to Snapcatters".

Users can ask MY AI question in chat conversations from general knowledge trivia to advice on gifts for friends and family or even asking for dinner options.

Users can also give My AI a nickname, chatting with the bot about likes and dislikes.

Snapchat explain that responses may "include biased, incorrect, harmful, or misleading content". The "evolving feature" will see answers checked independently by Snapchat with users urged not to share any confidential or sensitive information.

My AI has been rolled out to millions of users across the global after being first introduced to paid subscribers on the app.

A Snapchat spokesperson told the BBC the "vast majority" of people with access have been enjoying the new features, will millions of messages being sent each day.

"We've appreciated all the feedback from our passionate community as we continue to improve the experience", the spokesperson added.

However, the new feature has been met with mixed reviews as users take to alternative social media platforms to share their views.

One Tweeted: "Wth is Snapchat AI?? What episode of Black Mirror are we on??"

Another wrote: "The fact that you have to pay for Snapchat+ to remove the “My AI” is [a red flag]"

One user in the US posted concerns about the feature using their location data.

Some other users explained they are enjoying chatting to the bot, with one simply saying: "This new Snapchat AI is amazing…"

Another wrote: "Loads of cool features on the new Snapchat AI app. They've smashed it".

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