In a move that could change how billions chat online, Meta AI chatbots will now be allowed to message users first on platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. The feature, now rolling out under an internal project called “Omni,” means these bots can proactively start conversations — not just reply when you do
📲 How It Works
- If you send at least five messages to a chatbot within 14 days, it can send you one follow-up message.
- The bot uses past chats to remember what you like and can say things like:
“Hey, still interested in movie tips for the weekend?” - If you ignore this proactive message, the bot won’t keep messaging you.
- Users can also create private bots or shareable bots through Meta AI Studio
This new update makes Meta AI chatbots message first — changing them from passive helpers into more active conversation starters.
🔍 7 Reasons This Update Matters
1️⃣ Boosts Engagement
Bots that start conversations can help brands and creators re-engage users who would otherwise go silent.
2️⃣ Supports Creators and Businesses
Businesses can use AI bots to send updates, recommend products, or remind users about events — automatically techcrunch
3️⃣ Memory for Personalization
The bots “remember” past chats to make follow-ups feel personal.
4️⃣ Stops Spam Before It Starts
Meta has put limits — like only messaging users after five interactions — to stop bots from spamming everyone.
5️⃣ More Control
Creators can decide whether their bots are private or public, and share them in stories or links.
6️⃣ Raises Privacy Concerns
Critics say bots remembering past chats might feel intrusive, and users don’t have full control over what bots can remember
7️⃣ Keeps You in Meta’s Apps
By making chats feel alive, Meta hopes to keep people inside its apps longer, boosting ads and sales
⚖️ Why People Are Worried
Some experts warn that when Meta AI chatbots message first, it could:
- Feel too personal, like being “watched”
- Increase user screen time in unhealthy ways
- Use data in ways people don’t fully understand
Meta says the bots can only send one follow-up after real engagement, and users won’t get daily messages out of nowhere.
🧠 What’s Next
Meta’s plan could soon mean:
- More creators launching their own bots to chat with fans.
- Businesses using bots for reminders, offers, and updates.
- AI bots becoming part of daily life — instead of something you only call when needed.
✅ Bottom Line
With the Meta AI chatbots message first feature, Meta is making its AI bots proactive — hoping to make chats feel more real and engaging. While it could help users, creators, and businesses, it also raises big questions about privacy and how much we really want bots to remember.
