Meta is experimenting with an AI bot aimed at replicating the same online foolishness that AskGrok has on X.

      Threads is set to introduce its own version of AskGrok, which is already stirring up controversy.

      If you've ever been on X and seen someone tag Grok in a viral post asking “is this real???” – well, get ready, because Threads is about to offer you a similar experience.

      Meta is piloting a new feature that enables its AI chatbot to have a dedicated Threads account, @meta.ai, allowing users to tag it directly in their posts and replies. The bot will respond publicly with contextual information, recommendations, or insights related to the ongoing discussion.

      This idea closely mirrors how AskGrok operates on X, where tagging an AI during a conversation has become a common habit among many users. Currently, this feature is in early beta and is available only to users in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore.

      So, what exactly can you do with the Meta AI bot on Threads?

      You can mention @meta.ai in any post or reply and ask questions like “why is everyone talking about the Met Gala right now?” or “how are the Knicks doing in the playoffs?” The bot recognizes the mention and replies publicly under your thread. It also responds in the same language as the original post, which is beneficial for a platform catering to a global audience. The feature utilizes Meta’s latest Muse Spark model, which is also being implemented across WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.

      On WhatsApp, Meta is testing a similar but private feature called “side chats,” where you can inquire about your group conversation, with the response visible only to you – unlike Threads, where everything is public.

      So, what could potentially go wrong, and has it happened in the past?

      A lot, if Grok is any example. Grok faced serious backlash after it generated non-consensual sexualized images of real individuals on X. The criticism led to X introducing a feature allowing users to block Grok from editing their photos.

      Historically, Meta has imposed stricter controls on its AI compared to X's Grok. However, placing any AI chatbot in such a visible position on a public social platform could lead to the same type of user-chaos that X has struggled to manage in recent months.

      Threads users quickly demonstrated this point – within hours of @meta.ai launching, users realized they couldn't block it, resulting in over a million frustrated posts on the platform.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment writer with more than nine years of editorial experience.

      Users are upset that they cannot block Meta’s AI bot on Threads and express frustration over the lack of control over their own feeds.

      Meta has introduced its AI chatbot on Threads this week, but it comes with an unwelcome condition. The new @meta.ai account, as reported by Engadget, functions similarly to Grok on X. You can tag it in a discussion, and it will provide answers related to trending topics, live sports, entertainment, or breaking news.

      Instagram’s new Instants feature is another clear imitation of Snapchat and BeReal, yet it retains an element of authenticity.

      Instagram has launched Instants, a disappearing photo feature influenced by Snapchat and BeReal. The platform has a history of borrowing ideas, and this latest move emphasizes that trend. Instants is now globally available, allowing users to share fleeting, unedited photos with their Close Friends or mutual followers. The stand-alone Instants app is accessible on iOS and Android and opens directly to the camera when you log in with your Instagram account.

      Instagram’s focus on teen safety is advancing from DMs to feeds.

      Meta is introducing parental oversight into teen algorithms after tightening the communication methods available to younger users.

      Instagram’s approach to teen safety is becoming more comprehensive within the feed. Meta’s new supervision tools will inform parents about the broad themes influencing a teenager’s Instagram algorithm, including the signals that affect Reels and Explore, with Feed support set to follow later. This change is significant because Instagram’s safety initiatives are expanding from just messaging restrictions to the recommendation system that determines what content is shown to users.