WhatsApp's New Text Assistant: Can It Comprehend Conversations in Zimbabwe?
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has announced the rollout of a new AI feature called "Writing Help." This innovative tool is designed to refine the tone of messages, offering different stylistic options based on the message you type.
The feature is currently available in English in the US and some other regions, with plans to expand to more languages and territories later this year. However, the potential access to this feature in Zimbabwe remains uncertain, as Meta tends to prioritize larger, more lucrative markets.
The "Writing Help" feature is not WhatsApp's first foray into AI. Previously, they introduced AI chat summaries. Both features are AI-driven and come from Meta, suggesting a strategy to integrate AI into every aspect of the WhatsApp experience.
However, the usefulness of these features for the average Zimbabwean WhatsApp user is a topic of debate. Zimbabwean WhatsApp usage is characterized by one-word or one-sentence messages, extensive use of voice notes, and a tone that may be difficult to capture. Additionally, the frequent mixing of English with local languages in casual conversations raises questions about the usefulness of "Writing Help" in this context.
Despite WhatsApp's assertions of private processing, there remains skepticism due to Meta's past privacy concerns and the use of AI on their infrastructure. WhatsApp claims that neither Meta nor they can read your messages or the AI's suggestions. They have auditors to verify this claim of private processing.
The author questions the necessity of AI for writing WhatsApp messages. Features like "Writing Help" have not been a significant draw in the past, as they have been offered by other AI companies and built into phones. The author believes that AI should not be involved in casual conversations on WhatsApp.
On the other hand, while AI may not be necessary for casual conversations, it could potentially be useful for formal communication on WhatsApp. For example, it can rephrase a simple instruction to sound more formal or introduce humor to a dry update.
However, the author also raises concerns about WhatsApp's privacy claims, asking the reader to consider the potential risks of AI involvement in their casual and formal communications. As with any new technology, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and consider the potential implications for our privacy and communication.
