Instagram Co-Founder Warns of AI Chatbots Being More ‘Engaging’ Than Useful

Published: 03 May 2025
AI chatbots are known for making interactions easy, but according to Instagram's co-founder, they're rather 'juicing engagement' than being functional.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undeniably transformed the digital landscape. At the heart of this revolution, stand AI chatbots, designed to simulate human conversation and enhance user interaction. However, the pioneering co-founder of Instagram, among the foremost social networking platforms, is sounding alarms about the possible downside.

His concern? That these AI chatbots are focusing more on ‘juicing engagement’ - an industry term for indulging in user interaction often to the point of overkill – rather than providing genuine value through their services.

It’s an interesting concern, and one that’s likely to stimulate debate in the tech world. Are the chatty AI companions we’ve come to rely on simply manipulation engines, driving engagement for its own sake and leaving usefulness in the rearview mirror? It’s a question that demands rigorous consideration.

A potential impact of such a shift? Brands, marketers, and developers could start exploiting AI chatbots strategically, focusing on improving customer service, enhancing the user experience, and making each interaction count. It’s time to redefine the boundaries of engagement with a strong emphasis on value-delivery systems.