Snapchat users were met with an unexpected and eerie sight when the platform’s artificial intelligence feature, My AI, took an unexpected turn, leaving many users baffled and raising concerns about privacy around AI. On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, Snapchat’s My AI, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, deviated from its typical chatbot behavior, causing a stir among users.

The chatbot that is normally used by Snapchat users for asking questions, requesting recommendations, or just having random conversations, automatically posted photos and videos to users’ stories, a feature that can normally be accessed by the the humans only – not AI.

Twitter user Matt Esparza captured the bizarre occurrence, tweeting a photo of his ceiling alongside a matching image posted on his Snapchat story by My AI. Similar reports began surfacing from other users, furthering the mystery behind the odd photo.

While some users found humor in the situation, many expressed confusion and concern. The incident became a topic of discussion on social media, with users speculating about the AI’s sudden deviation from its expected behavior. The lack of clarity about the source of the glitch and the image’s intent led to unease among Snapchat’s user base.

Snapchat users took to various platforms, sharing their experiences and attempting to make sense of the situation. Speculations ranged from technical errors to potential privacy breaches, fueling a growing conversation about the safety and reliability of AI tools integrated into social media platforms.

The social media platform swiftly acknowledged the issue, revealing that My AI had experienced a glitch, the AI hadn’t gone rogue. The company assured users that the glitch had been resolved after causing a temporary service interruption. Despite this reassurance, the incident ignited debates about the transparency and potential risks associated with artificial intelligence.

The incident with My AI adds fuel to ongoing concerns about the role of AI in privacy breaches. Since its launch in April, the AI tool has faced criticism, ranging from unsettling interactions to the challenge of controlling its presence in chat feeds. With Snapchat catering to a significant user base, particularly among individuals under 18, the incident underscores the importance of careful AI integration to ensure user safety and experience.

Unlike conventional AI tools, Snapchat’s My AI offers unique features that aim to humanize the interaction, such as customizable names and personalized avatars. However, the incident has revealed potential pitfalls in rolling out such innovative AI technologies, especially in platforms popular among younger demographics.

There are also concerns around individuals forming emotional attachments to chatbots.In a recent interview, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, expressed his views on this issue, stating that he doesn’t want it for himself and would like people to be careful with it.

Snapchat’s early adoption of OpenAI’s ChatGPT for its AI tool indicates a growing trend of integrating advanced AI technologies into social media platforms. While the incident revealed challenges, it also sheds light on the ongoing work required to strike the right balance between user experience, privacy, and the benefits of AI-driven interactions.

As AI technologies continue to evolve and find their place in various applications, it remains crucial for companies to prioritize user education, transparency, and privacy safeguards in their pursuit of seamless AI integration. The glitch with My AI serves as a reminder that the path to harnessing AI’s potential is not without its hurdles and that careful consideration must be taken to ensure a positive and secure user experience.