Snapchat Tests New ‘Dreams’ Element as Social Apps Continue to Develop Generative AI Elements

Despite the immense hype surrounding generative #AI, it seems that the optimal use cases forthis technology in the context of social media have yet to be discovered.

While generative AI and social media are both part of the broader tech landscape, their alignment and integration have not produced groundbreaking results thus far. Social platforms, recognizing the significant role they play in our interactions, are undoubtedly exploring ways to leverage generative AI to enhance engagement. However, the current AI concepts implemented within social apps can be described as average at best.

#Snapchat introduced" MyAI" in February, allowing users to chat with an AI bot and askquestions withintheapp. Although initially intriguing, the novelty ofsuch interactions wears off quickly. Similarly, #TikTok and Instagram are developing AI-powered visual creation tools that offer AI-based filters and selective creative options. While these features have some appeal,they fail to deliver a truly impressive experience.

Snapchat is now working on a new visual AI element called "Dreams," which allows users to place their likeness into generated realms. While this is another creation tool based on text prompts, it attempts to present itself as more innovative.

Text-based generative AI options are also emerging in social apps, such as AI summaries and post creation options on #LinkedIn. However, these features seem counterintuitive to the desire for genuine human connection on social platforms. Both #Meta and #Twitter are also working on undisclosed #generativeAI elements. Although the latest generative AI tools are capable of remarkable feats that were unimaginable just a year ago, their practical use cases are not as extensive as some might claim. While AI has the potential to replace certain jobs, many tasks still require human expertise to ensure the accuracy and coherence of AI-generated outputs. AI tools often produce nonsensical results, and their "hallucinations" in text-based content don't significantly reduce the workload for written content creators. In terms of visuals, generative AI presents exciting opportunities, but many generated images still appear slightly off or artificial. Additionally, the challenge in creating visual content often lies in determining what to create rather than the technical execution. Therefore, generative AI does not effectively address the core issue of sparking creativity, although it provides avenues for experimentation and concept realization. The lack of groundbreaking generative AI options in social media reflects a broader trend. While the technology itself is incredible, the practical applications, in many cases, are not as advanced as some reports might suggest. Generative AI will undoubtedly play a significant role in the evolving workforce, presenting new opportunities. However, it is worth noting that despite the revolutionary capabilities of these tools, current implementations in social apps primarily offer background-altering tools and gimmicky chat tricks. Generative AI has the potential to revolutionize our interactions with technology, but we are stillin the early stages of this transformative shift.