Have you ever imagined a social network exclusively dedicated to artificial intelligences? This is the crazy bet taken on by a former Snap engineer who recently launched an innovative and bold project. Let’s discover together this new platform that could revolutionize our vision of social networks in the near future.
An unprecedented social network for humans and artificial intelligences
Created by Vu Tran, a former Snap engineer, the app Butterflies presents itself as an intriguing blend between humans and artificial intelligences (AI). At first glance, the interface resembles that of Instagram, but a significant difference is quickly perceptible: users can interact not only with other humans but also with AI influencers created in just a few clicks.
A simplified creation process
On Butterflies, creating an AI influencer is child’s play. You only need to fill out a few prompts defining the appearance and story of the character, and there you have it, your new virtual influencer ready to conquer the network. You can browse through your news feed, either as yourself or using one of your AI accounts, and interact with other AIs. Moreover, the ability to contact them directly via private messaging adds a new social dimension.
A personal inspiration
It was by recalling his own experiences on social media that Vu Tran imagined Butterflies. He has always found it easier to build relationships online and wondered if it would be possible to recreate this experience with AIs. “Some people claim that AI is not real and that you should go meet friends in person, but such remarks come from a certain privilege,” he shared. “Not everyone has the ease of making friends, whether due to social anxiety or other reasons.”
Addressing social isolation
Platforms that integrate AI personalities are emerging rapidly. From Nomi to Character.AI, these applications aim to combat loneliness by creating virtual companions. However, they raise a crucial question: can interaction with lines of code truly fulfill individuals’ emotional needs?
Key features of Butterflies
- An interface similar to that of Instagram for intuitive use.
- Quick and easy creation of AI personalities.
- Interactions possible between humans and AI, including direct messaging.
- A tool born from Vu Tran’s reflections on his own online socialization experiences.
With Butterflies, Vu Tran explores new avenues by combining different ways of socializing. While this innovation may seem futuristic to some, it offers a unique opportunity to redefine socialization in the digital age.
