Meta-owned WhatsApp announced on Wednesday that it will launch a new artificial intelligence feature that allows users to rewrite, proofread or adjust the tone of messages. The new feature, called "Writing Help," uses Meta's privacy handling technology to allow users to receive AI-generated responses without requiring Meta or WhatsApp to read the original message or suggested rewordings, meaning messages on the platform remain private even if users use the new tool.
With Writing Help, users can get AI-generated suggestions to rewrite their message in a professional, interesting, supportive or rewritten way.
WhatsApp demonstrated the feature in a product image that showed the user's original message: "Please don't leave dirty socks on the couch." The AI would then provide some "fun" rewordings, such as: "Please don't turn the couch into a graveyard for socks," "Breaking news: Socks are cold on the couch. Please move them," and "Hey Sock Ninja, the laundry basket is over there!"
Image source: WhatsApp
With this launch, WhatsApp may want people to use its in-app technology when drafting messages instead of external tools like ChatGPT.
Of course, not everyone will like this new feature, as users may prefer real, private conversations with friends and family rather than AI-generated messages. It's one thing to use artificial intelligence to rewrite an email, but it's another thing to use it to message your grandma.
WhatsApp said users can access the new feature by clicking on the new pencil icon that appears when drafting messages in the app. Starting Wednesday, Writing Help will be available in English in select countries.