Meta AI, that nifty AI helper integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is designed to make things easier but can sometimes get in the way. If you’re looking to tone it down or even disable Meta AI, this guide walks you through the steps to reclaim control over your social media experience.
Meta AI is supposed to assist with chats, generate images, and summarize comments across various Meta platforms. While some find these features helpful, many users are concerned about privacy or simply prefer the traditional feel of these apps. Distracting AI features might be another reason why you’d prefer to limit Meta AI.
Muting Meta AI on Facebook
While there isn’t a direct way to completely shut off Meta AI on Facebook, you can definitely reduce its presence by muting it and turning off those comment summaries. Here’s how:
- First, open the Facebook app. Tap on the Messenger icon at the top. This should open the Messenger app if you have it installed, or you can open Messenger directly.
- You might see a search box that says “Ask Meta AI anything.” Tap in this box to get to the Meta AI chat.
- In the Meta AI chat, tap the blue i icon, usually at the top-right of the screen.
- Select the Mute option.
- You’ll see a prompt asking for how long you want to mute. Choose “Until I change it” to keep Meta AI muted for as long as you want.
- To disable AI-generated comment summaries, go back to the main Facebook interface. Tap the Menu icon.
- Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
- In the “Audience and Visibility” section, tap on Posts.
- Find “Allow comment summaries on your posts” and toggle it off.
Muting Meta AI on Instagram
Similar to Facebook, you can mute Meta AI on Instagram. Here’s what you do:
- Open the Instagram app. Tap the Messenger icon in the top-right corner.
- You might see a message like “Ask Meta AI anything.” Tap the blue circle or the search box itself to start the Meta AI chat.
- Tap the blue arrow to enter the Meta AI chat.
- In the chat screen, find the i icon in the top right and tap it.
- Tap the Mute option.
- Select “Until I change it” to keep Meta AI muted permanently until you decide to unmute it.
Muting Meta AI on WhatsApp
Although there isn’t a way to fully disable Meta AI on WhatsApp, muting it will definitely help in minimizing interactions:
- Open WhatsApp and locate the Meta AI chat in your conversation list.
- Tap the chat to open it. Then tap the contact’s name at the top to see chat settings.
- On the Meta AI contact info page, tap on Notifications.
- Then, tap on Mute notifications and disable the toggle.
- In the pop-up, select ‘Always’.
Method 1: Using the Basic Version of Facebook
If you’re looking to ditch Meta AI completely on Facebook, consider using the basic mobile site:
- Open your mobile browser and go to mbasic.facebook.com.
- Log in with your Facebook details. This stripped-down version doesn’t have the AI features and provides a simpler experience.
Method 2: Opting Out of Meta AI Data Usage (EU and UK Users)
If you’re in the EU or the UK, you have the right to object to Meta using your data for AI training due to GDPR.
- Log into Facebook. Click your profile icon and go to Settings & Privacy, then select Privacy Center.
- On the left-hand menu, select How Meta uses information for generative AI models and features.
- Scroll down to the Right to Object section, and click the link to the objection form.
- Fill out the form and explain how Meta’s data processing affects you.
- Submit the form. You’ll get a confirmation once it’s processed.
These steps will help you limit Meta AI across your social media platforms. While a complete shut-off isn’t available yet, these adjustments will help make your experience more comfortable and aligned with your preferences.