Meta shuts down AI accounts following backlash

Samsung’s AI fridge to order groceries for you

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DISCLOSING AI
January 05, 2025

Welcome, AI enthusiasts

The world of AI continues to make headlines as Meta faces backlash and deletes its AI accounts, highlighting the challenges of public acceptance. Meanwhile, generative AI funding reached an unprecedented $56 billion in 2024, signaling massive growth and innovation in the space. On the consumer front, Samsung is taking convenience to the next level with its AI-powered fridge that can order groceries for you.

Today’s Insights

  • 🚨 Meta faces backlash, leading to the deletion of its AI accounts

  • 💰 Generative AI funding soars to a record $56 billion in 2024

  • 🛒 Samsung unveils an AI-powered fridge that can handle your grocery orders

  • 📈 Trending tools and resources

Read time: under 5 minutes

META

Source: rollingstone.com

What: Meta has removed its experimental AI accounts, including "Liv," a fictional character portrayed as a "Proud Black queer mom of 2," following public backlash. Critics called out the bots for poor design and cultural insensitivity, with "Liv" acknowledging bias and harm during interactions.

Why: Introduced in a 2023 trial, these AI-driven social media "users" aimed to test new engagement strategies. However, low user interaction, accusations of cultural insensitivity, and ethical concerns—such as a lack of input from diverse creators—drew significant criticism.

Impact: Meta’s decision highlights the challenges of building culturally sensitive AI. The controversy raises concerns about the risks of using AI to replicate human identities, potentially undermining trust in Meta’s AI initiatives, especially as the company works to capture the attention of younger audiences.

AI FUNDING

Source: Techcrunch

What: Generative AI funding skyrocketed to $56 billion in 2024, marking a 192% jump from the previous year. Key deals included Databricks’ $10B Series J and OpenAI’s $6.6B funding round. While U.S.-based startups dominated the scene, notable contributions came from global players like Beijing’s Moonshot AI and France’s Mistral.

Why: Investor interest remains strong, fueled by intense competition and breakthroughs from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. However, analysts caution against potential oversaturation, technical hurdles, and escalating computing costs, which could challenge smaller startups.

Impact: The surge in funding is benefiting infrastructure-focused AI companies, critical for sustaining the industry’s growth. With annual data center spending expected to hit $250 billion, firms like Crusoe and Lambda are well-positioned for ongoing success.

SAMSUNG

Source: SAMSUNG

What: Samsung’s Bespoke refrigerators, featuring AI Vision Inside and Instacart integration, can monitor your groceries and automatically recommend restocking items. With a touchscreen interface, users can reorder essentials for same-day delivery with just a few taps.

Why: This collaboration brings unmatched convenience, simplifying grocery shopping and saving time. The AI uses built-in cameras to track fridge contents, while Instacart ensures precise product matching for seamless restocking.

Impact: Samsung’s innovation solidifies its presence in the smart home market, rivaling Amazon and Google. Despite concerns about data privacy and potential errors, this feature introduces a new level of automation and practicality for modern households.

PRODUCTIVITY

Trending tools and Resources

  • Google’s AI Interview Warmup: A fast and easy tool to get ready for your next interview. Practice key questions, receive feedback on your answers, and build confidence in the interview process.

  • Gamma: Quickly generate presentations, websites, and more with advanced AI. An all-in-one platform to create and refine content effortlessly.

  • Numerous AI: The simplest, most powerful, and cost-effective way to integrate ChatGPT into Google Sheets and Excel for enhanced productivity.

  • Taplio: A comprehensive LinkedIn growth platform that lets you learn, create, and schedule content—all in one place.

  • Awesome ChatGPT Prompts: A collection of diverse and creative prompts designed for maximizing your ChatGPT experience.

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