Threads adds Meta AI chats in direct messages

In short: Meta is rolling out its Meta AI chatbot inside Threads direct messages, so people can chat with it privately.

What happened

Meta said Threads users can now talk to Meta AI in their DMs, which are the app’s private messages. A chatbot is a computer program you can talk to like it is a person, usually to ask questions or get help.

Before this, some Threads users in certain countries could already interact with Meta AI in public posts. This update adds a private option, similar to sending a message to a friend, except the “friend” is an AI assistant.

Meta says the new DM feature lets users share Threads posts, images, links, and videos directly with Meta AI. You can also ask follow-up questions to get more detail, like continuing a conversation instead of starting over.

Meta AI is already available in DMs on Meta’s other apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Meta says the Threads DM rollout starts Monday and will expand globally.

Meta also said it is still testing Meta AI in Threads public feeds in a small number of markets. If you see too many Meta AI replies in your feed, Meta says you can mute @meta.ai, tap “Not interested” on a Meta AI post, or hide Meta AI replies on your own posts.

Why it matters

This makes it easier to get answers and suggestions without leaving Threads, like having a built-in help desk inside your inbox. It also shows Meta wants people to use its own AI assistant inside its apps, instead of switching to other tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini.

Source: TechCrunch AI