Chatbots are poised to take over Facebook

Are chatbots a waste of time? We’re not sure, but TechCrunch reported today that lots of developers are looking to build them. At TechCrunch Disrupt NY, Facebook Messenger’s head of product, Stan Chudnovsky, said that “tens of thousands” of developers are creating chatbot experiences on Facebook. In fact, thousands of Shopify merchants are already improving their Facebook experience with chatbots.

There are some concerns, however, that spammy or annoying chatbots can diminish the user experience. Facebook is working to improve the user experience to ensure that chatbots do not detract from the enjoyment of the social network.

Also coming: Messenger chatbot analytics, Chudnovsky said. A “bunch of tools” are on the horizon to empower developers involved in chatbots to have more access and information at their fingertips.

Watch out. The chatbots are coming.

For more on the future of chatbots, the full dialogue at TechCrunch Disrupt NY is below:

Facebook Messenger bets on bots (full panel) #TCDisrupt https://t.co/CsueutuCbQ

— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) May 10, 2016