Remember the days when social media meant connecting with real people? Well, Mark Zuckerberg has different plans for the future of Meta’s platforms, and it might not be what you expect.

According to a recent Financial Times report, Meta is pushing forward with an ambitious plan to populate its social media platforms with AI-generated users. While this might sound like science fiction, the company is already rolling out various AI tools to boost user engagement, and the results are both fascinating and concerning.

Meta’s VP of generative AI products revealed that these AI users would be fully equipped with profile pictures, bios, and the ability to generate and share content. It’s a bold move from the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, but given their previous bet on the metaverse, some skepticism is warranted.

The company has already dipped its toes in these waters. In 2023, Meta launched an AI character tool in the United States that has created hundreds of thousands of characters, though most users have kept them private. They even experimented with AI personas based on celebrities like Tom Brady and Kendall Jenner — a move that left many users confused and questioning why they didn’t just partner with the actual celebrities.

But here’s where things get interesting: while many might dismiss this as another Meta misstep, there’s evidence suggesting AI characters could find their place in social media. Take Character AI, a platform where users can chat with AI-generated personas. It’s hugely popular among younger users, boasting 20 million monthly users and processing two billion queries daily. Many users turn to these AI characters for emotional support, conversation, and even makeshift therapy.

The gaming world offers another perspective. Games like Warzone and Fortnite have successfully implemented AI bots to create more enjoyable experiences for casual players who want to avoid the stress of competing against highly skilled human opponents. This suggests that sometimes, AI interactions can actually enhance user satisfaction.

There’s also a darker side to consider. While human interactions on social media can often turn toxic, with hate speech and harassment being persistent problems, AI characters could offer a consistently positive, inclusive environment. Meta’s AI-populated platforms might provide a safer, more welcoming space for users who feel alienated by traditional social media.

Yet questions remain. Will this lead to what some call the “dead internet theory,” where authentic human interaction becomes increasingly rare? Or is this simply the next evolution of social media, where humans and AI coexist in a way that enhances rather than diminishes our online experience?

The answer likely lies somewhere in between. While the younger generation’s embrace of AI characters suggests a shift in how we view online interactions, human connection remains a fundamental need. Meta’s challenge will be finding the right balance between artificial and authentic engagement.

As social media continues to evolve, we might need to reconsider what “social” really means in the digital age. Whether Meta’s vision succeeds or fails, it’s clear that AI will play an increasingly important role in shaping our online interactions — for better or worse.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​