‘Annoying’ new WhatsApp feature riles users – but there’s an easy fix

WhatsApp has sparked backlash as it continues to roll out a new feature some users have branded ‘annoying’.

The messaging giant’s parent company Meta has been testing several new experiences using its generative AI technology, Meta AI.

This allows WhatsApp users to ask questions and get ‘helpful recommendations’, create AI-generated images in chats, have conversations with Meta AI and ‘other characters’ and chat with Meta AI in existing group chats.

“Chatting with Meta AI and sending voice prompts is optional,” WhatsApp states on its website. “AI messages are different from personal messages. When you choose to interact with Meta AI, Meta receives your prompts to improve its AI quality.”

These updates are currently only available in ‘limited countries’ and may not appear on your device, even if other users in the same location have access.

However, the AI integration has caused somewhat of a stir after popping up on the top of people’s WhatsApp home screens in the form of a hovering circular logo.

Taking to social media, swathes of users are clearly not happy about the icon’s placement. In fact, last week, a Reddit thread was created to help people remove the feature altogether.

Remove new AI feature
byu/3mwo2 inwhatsapp

“Why the hell do we need an AI in a chat app?” one person asked. “It is so annoying, even when I search chat it shows stupid recommendations on top.” Another agreed, commenting: “It’s so annoying.”

Over on X (formerly Twitter), one person penned: “This Meta AI icon is driving me CRAZY! Why are you forcing this intrusive icon down our throats?” while another branded the icon ‘very repulsive’.

However, there is an easy way to say goodbye to the colorful circle for good – and it only takes four simple steps.

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Click the three dots in the right-hand corner, then ‘Settings’.
3. Click ‘Chats’
4. Find the option that says ‘Show Meta AI Button’ and switch the toggle off.

WhatsApp has been approached for comment.

Featured image: Creative Commons

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