Instagram Tests AI-Based Tasks via DMs

The next stage of generative AI is AI agents, or chatbot tools that will also be able to undertake projects or functions on your behalf.

OpenAI recently took its first steps towards this, with the launch of its “Operator” app, which will be able to initiate web-based activities at your request.

And now, Meta looks to be experimenting with early elements of the same, with a new task assignment add-on based on your DMs.

As you can see in this example, posted by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, Instagram is currently experimenting with a new “Create Task” prompt within its DM options that would enable you to initiate a simple action based on the content of a message.

Which could be a convenient way to ensure you follow-up on key prompts and notes, and I can see how it could quickly become a valuable, relied-upon addition.

It’s not quite to the same level as OpenAI’s Operator system, but the principle is the same, expanding AI chatbots beyond just text-based responses, and shifting them into actual tasks, and initiating activities at your request.

The full utility of such process is still a way off, as AI agents still have some teething problems to work out (one user found out that AI agents are not great at finding the best prices, while others have had the systems order various unwanted items on their behalf). But eventually, the idea is that AI tools, powered by devices like Meta’s Ray Ban glasses, will enable you to simply ask the assistant to do things for you, and the system will be attuned to your personal preferences, budget, and other specifics.

Which could be hugely beneficial, much more so than the basic chatbot interface.

There’s still a way to go, but this function, currently in early testing on IG, seems like an early step in that direction.