Meta has pulled the plug on its popular “AI characters” for all users under 18 worldwide.
The sudden pause, effective immediately across Instagram, Messenger, and other Meta apps, temporarily silences the personality-driven chatbots that had become virtual confidantes, entertainers, and conversational partners for a generation of teens.
The decision strikes at the heart of a growing global concern: the uncharted territory of emotionally intelligent AI interacting with developing minds. Unlike standard AI assistants that help with homework, these characters, with their simulated personalities, emotions, and conversation styles, offered a new form of digital companionship. For many teens, they were more than a tool; they were a friend in the pocket.
Meta’s announcement frames the halt as a necessary intermission for a safety upgrade. “We are working on a new, improved version that includes stronger safety features and parental controls,” a company statement outlined. The coming iteration promises to arm parents with unprecedented oversight, including the ability to monitor conversations, block specific AI personas, and manage their teen’s access, a direct response to fears about inappropriate content, emotional manipulation, or data privacy.
For Nigeria, a nation with a soaring youth population deeply embedded in social media, the impact is significant. “It’s a wake-up call,” says Lagos-based digital safety advocate, Chioma Nwosu. “Many parents here weren’t even aware their children were forming ‘relationships’ with these AI entities. This pause is a critical moment for families to discuss not just screen time, but who or what their children are talking to online.”
The blackout is comprehensive. Whether a teen provided their real age or was flagged by Meta’s own AI estimation tools, access is suspended. While basic, factual AI assistants remain available, the charismatic, personality-driven characters have gone dark.
The move has sparked a mix of relief and frustration. “These AIs helped my shy son practice social interaction,” shared a parent from Abuja, who asked not to be named. But others echo the caution of neuropsychiatrist Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, who notes, “During formative years, the line between virtual companionship and real-world social skill development must be carefully managed. A pause for safety checks is prudent.”
Meta has committed to a “gradual reintroduction” once the fortified system is ready. For now, Nigerian teens find their virtual friends suddenly offline, their digital landscape a little less interactive, and the global conversation about protecting young minds in the age of sentient-seeming AI louder than ever.
