Meta AI integration comes to Threads, similar to Grok
▼ Summary
– Threads is testing a Meta AI integration that lets public account users mention the AI in posts or replies for context, currently in beta in five countries.
– Meta AI provides real-time context on trends and breaking stories, plus recommendations, directly within conversations on Threads.
– When mentioned, Meta AI responds publicly as the @meta.ai account in the same language as the post.
– The feature aims to keep users on Threads for information, similar to X’s Grok, but with stronger safeguards against harmful outputs.
– Users can reduce visibility of Meta AI replies by muting @meta.ai, using “Not interested,” or hiding replies on their posts.
Threads is currently testing a Meta AI integration that closely mirrors the functionality of X’s Grok. Public account holders will be able to mention Meta AI in a post or reply to receive additional context. This beta trial is active in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore.
According to an email from Meta to TechCrunch, the feature aims to provide real-time context about trending topics and breaking news, along with personalized recommendations, all without leaving the conversation. Users can invoke Meta AI with questions such as, “Why are people discussing the World Cup this month?,” “Which Met Gala looks are trending now?,” or “How are the Knicks performing in the playoffs?” The AI will process these prompts and respond as a public reply from the @meta.ai account, matching the language of the original post.
With this move, Threads is evolving beyond a simple chat platform for news and trends. It is positioning itself as a one-stop hub for information and recommendations, reducing the need to switch apps. The approach is reminiscent of Grok on X, where users frequently ask the AI to verify content or explain phenomena.
However, giving an AI chatbot such prominent visibility carries inherent risks. X experienced this when Grok generated posts praising Hitler. While Meta AI has stronger safeguards than Grok, it remains uncertain whether it will avoid similar pitfalls. Users who prefer fewer AI replies can mute @meta.ai, select the “Not interested” option on any Meta AI post, or hide a reply that appears directly on their own content.
Meta plans to gather insights from early feedback and refine the experience before a wider rollout.
(Source: TechCrunch)
