In recent years, Meta has introduced various AI features and capabilities to its apps. Most notably, the tech giant has experimented with AI-generated characters, which were ultimately discarded due to concerns that they felt "creepy and unnecessary." In a new venture that could raise user eyebrows, Meta is trying to use AI to facilitate interactions between friends by providing comment suggestions on Instagram.
According to a report by TechCrunch on March 21, 2025, X user Jonah Manzano discovered a "Write with Meta AI" prompt while using Instagram. This feature lets users automate their interactions by generating three AI-generated comment suggestions tailored to the content of a post. Users who access this feature will notice a pencil icon next to the text bar under a post, which they can tap to get started. Once tapped, Meta AI analyzes the photo in the post and generates three suggestions. For instance, if the photo features someone smiling with a thumbs-up in their living room, the AI might suggest comments such as, "Cute living room setup," "Love the cozy atmosphere," or "Great photo shoot location." If users aren’t satisfied with the first batch, they can refresh to receive additional suggestions.
A Meta spokesperson mentioned, “We regularly test more features for you to use Meta AI across our apps,” indicating that the company aims to extend AI utility to areas beyond direct messages like comments, feed, groups, and search. However, Meta did not specify when or how widely this test feature might be rolled out.
Despite Meta's excitement, there’s a growing skepticism. Many users prefer to keep their comments human-generated instead of relying on AI. Instagram has long been valued for its authenticity, and with the increasing pressure to perform, there's a sentiment that AI-generated comments could undermine the genuine interactions that have defined the platform. Reports suggest that users are still reminiscing about a time before Instagram became a marketplace of curated lives, craving a return to more meaningful connectivity.
This isn't the first time Meta has dabbled in AI for social purposes. Prior to this, the company was observed testing AI-generated comment summaries on Facebook, reflecting its ongoing efforts to integrate AI into more nuanced aspects of user engagement. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI and its applications, analysts and users alike are left wondering whether this latest experiment will enhance or detract from the user experience.
At the same time, it's essential to recognize the broader implications of AI in digital communication. While tools that assist with conversational ease can be helpful, they might also encourage a lack of genuine interaction among friends and acquaintances. There's a delicate balance to strike between convenience and authenticity, and as users of platforms like Instagram navigate this evolution, they remain concerned about how these changes affect their online relationships.
In an interesting twist on Meta's technological strategy, financial analysts are also keeping a close watch on the company's stock performance. As reported by TipRanks, META currently holds a "Strong Buy" consensus based on 44 buy recommendations, 3 holds, and 1 sell rating, with the highest price target set at $935. Generally, analysts suggest a consensus price target of $763.71, implying an approximately 28.80% upside. Therefore, while users express concerns about the underlying motivations for AI expansions, investors appear more optimistic about Meta's growth trajectory.
Whether this new AI feature vastly improves user interactions or simply pushes users away remains a topic ripe for discussion. Meta’s decisions to integrate artificial intelligence into its platforms highlight both the potential conveniences and challenges that come with such significant technological changes. Users are left balancing the need for innovative tools with their longstanding desire for authentic community engagement.
As this testing phase evolves, only time will tell whether the public perception of AI-generated comments on Instagram shifts from skepticism to acceptance, or if users will continue to advocate for keeping their interactions as genuine as possible.
