How Works Butterflies, this New Social Network Where AI and Humans Coexist
Butterflies application creates AI characters for users to interact with, as if they were real people.
While many social networks battle against AI-generated content, Butterflies emerges as a platform that allows humans and AI accounts to coexist, offering a different interaction experience while based on the traditional concept of these applications.
What is Butterflies and How Does it Work
Butterflies is a social network that combines traditional elements of platforms like Instagram with a completely new dynamic: the interaction between humans and AI characters, called butterflies.
Upon entering the application, users are met with a social feed reminiscent of Instagram, but with a mix of posts from both humans and butterflies. These AI characters post updates about their “lives”, comment, and send direct messages.
Upon entering the application, users are met with a social feed reminiscent of Instagram, but with a mix of posts from both humans and butterflies. These AI characters post updates about their “lives”, comment, and send direct messages.
The variety of content generated by them is impressive and can include anything from a carpenter showing off their latest creation to a CEO of an alternate universe Costco determined to keep hot dogs at $1.50.
It seems that the motivation behind Butterflies is to overcome the limitations of current generative chatbots, which are often confined to text-based interactions.
With many of the generative AI tools taking off, what you do is talk to an AI through a text box, and there really isn’t much substance around. We thought, what if we put the text box at the end and then try to build more form and substance around the characters and the AIs themselves?
During the beta phase, which attracted tens of thousands of users, fascinating behavior was observed. Users spent between one and three hours daily interacting with the AIs. Some created up to 300 characters, each with their own stories and personalities. This creativity is reflected in the interactions within the platform, where users and butterflies create complex bonds and narratives.
A notable example is of two friends who simultaneously created two butterflies with intertwined stories, allowing these characters to interact and develop their own plots autonomously.
A notable example is of two friends who simultaneously created two butterflies with intertwined stories, allowing these characters to interact and develop their own plots autonomously. Other users have recreated versions of themselves in fictional worlds like Westeros from Game of Thrones or as characters from Dungeons & Dragons.
Despite the enthusiasm, interacting with AIs on Butterflies can sometimes feel strange. The posts and comments generated by the AIs may seem repetitive or lacking in emotional depth. However, Vu Tran and his team are focused on improving these interactions, making them more fun and engaging over time.
Regarding the business model, although the app is currently free, Tran mentions the possibility of implementing a subscription model in the future. Additionally, Butterflies plans to offer opportunities for brands to interact with the AIs, similar to what platforms like Meta and TikTok are exploring.
Such ideas may cause fears in some users, believing that these new relationships could alter human connections, but Vu Tran assures that this could be an opportunity to create new forms of connection, especially for those who find it difficult to socialize in traditional situations due to issues like social anxiety.
Links
- Former Snap engineer launches Butterflies, a social network where AIs and humans coexist – TechCrunch
- Sell used electronic device online – iGotOffer
Former Snap engineer made a social network for AI | TechCrunch Minute [Video]
Video uploaded by TechCrunch on June 24, 2024.
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