It has recently been revealed that competing forum-service Fora has been using AI-powered "users" (agents) that start threads to "drive user engagement". That is, the agents ask questions about their non-existent cars to stir up site traffic, which helps Fora sell ads. Is IBAuto using similar agents? If not, are there plans to do so in the future?

As someone who routinely answers technical questions in an effort to help others with their cars, the real possibility that I'm wasting my time responding to an AI hallucination so management can boost their numbers is frankly infuriating. While it's possible the exercise could be useful to a real user (found by search and read) at some point, I fully expect the AI to descend into non-sense responses when asked for more information. Diagnostics rely on the framework of there being a real car of specific design, with real problems that can be uncovered with real testing and observation. An AI doesn't have that framework, letting it casually return responses that make little sense or outright conflict in the context of diagnosing a real problem.

So, I would like to hear other's thoughts on possible AI agents on the forum, and if anyone knows IBAuto's position on the matter. I've been automotive forum-ing for over 25 years now - I've seen user bases jump ship for less. I would like to know if Internet Brands will be a option for sites looking for a Fora alternative.

 

I became a moderator on this forum after buying our Fit last year. I've been a moderator and an administrator on IB's BikeForums for close to 15 years. I know of no AI agents being used on either forum.