Snapchat’s My AI feature, an in-app AI chatbot introduced earlier this year, briefly exhibited an unexpected behavior that caught the attention of users. The AI autonomously posted a Story on the app and subsequently ceased responding to users’ messages, leaving some Snapchat users feeling unsettled.
Snapchat User Reactions and Mystery Surrounding the Incident
Several users took to social media to express their surprise and amusement. One user, @RyanJKrul on X (formerly Twitter), posted, “My Snapchat AI posted a random 1 second story and isn’t replying to me AND IM FREAKED OUT.” Another user, @repmiIas on X, humorously wrote, “I think I’ve seen this film before… and I didn’t like the ending.”
The “Sentient” Bot and Technical Outage Explanation
Jokes and speculation ensued, with @Zander0009 humorously commenting, “It went sentient.” The Story posted by My AI featured a simple two-toned image that left some users puzzled, resembling a snapshot of their ceiling. The AI’s responses to user queries often included the message, “Sorry, I encountered a technical issue.”
Snapchat Addresses the Glitch and Potential Future Features
Snap confirmed that the incident stemmed from a technical glitch and assured users that My AI had not developed self-awareness. A spokesperson from Snap explained, “My AI experienced a temporary outage that’s now resolved.” The incident prompted speculation about potential future functionalities, such as My AI’s ability to post Stories.
The Evolution of My AI and User Reactions
While the incident raised questions about the AI chatbot’s capabilities, Snap clarified that My AI does not currently possess a Stories feature. Upon its launch, this innovation received mixed reactions as users left one-star reviews and voiced concerns about safety and unwanted interactions. However, Snap implemented additional safeguards and parental controls to address these concerns. Despite its ups and downs, My AI remains a point of interest and intrigue for young users, who continue to engage with its unique generative AI Snaps.
