Anyone else increasingly using AI chatbots for getting quick answers? It’s incredibly refreshing to not have to sift through sponsored links and long content when we just need info fast. While ‘hallucinations’ and out-of-date information remain a concern, models are getting more accurate by the day, while users of platforms like Perplexity.ai—one of our favorites—benefit from real-time information as well as inline citations. With the majority of their income from search-based ads, Google must be more than a little bit nervous right about now.
Meta is making strides in the AI space, as reported by Emma Roth from The Verge. The company is reportedly developing its own AI-powered search engine, aiming to reduce its reliance on Google and Microsoft. This new search engine would generate AI-driven summaries of current events, integrated within the Meta AI chatbot. Currently, the chatbot on platforms like Instagram and Facebook uses Google and Microsoft Bing for fetching news and event information. However, this might change soon, as Meta’s web crawlers have been actively gathering data for months.
How It Works
The core technology involves Meta’s web crawlers collecting data to build a comprehensive database. This database will feed into the AI-powered search engine, enabling it to generate summaries and provide users with up-to-date information. Users might interact with this technology through Meta’s existing platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, where the AI chatbot is already in use.
Benefits
- By developing its own search engine, Meta could potentially offer more tailored and integrated search experiences within its platforms.
- This move could also foster competition in the search engine market, potentially leading to more innovation and better services for users.
- Meta’s focus on location data might offer enhanced local search capabilities, challenging established services like Google Maps.
Concerns
- There might be concerns about data privacy and how Meta will handle the vast amounts of information collected by its web crawlers.
- The accuracy and reliability of AI-generated summaries could be questioned, especially in comparison to established search engines.
Possible Business Use Cases
- A startup could develop a platform that integrates Meta’s AI search capabilities with e-commerce, providing personalized shopping recommendations.
- Create a local business directory app that leverages Meta’s enhanced location data for more accurate and relevant search results.
- Develop an AI-driven news aggregator that uses Meta’s search engine to provide real-time updates and summaries from various sources.
As Meta ventures into the AI search engine arena, it’s clear that the landscape of online search is poised for change. While the potential benefits of innovation and competition are enticing, it’s crucial to weigh these against concerns about data privacy and the reliability of AI-generated information. As we navigate this evolving digital world, the balance between technological advancement and ethical considerations will be key to ensuring that these developments serve the greater good.
Image Credit: DALL-E
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