A strange glitch on Instagram caused confusion and panic among users around the world on Saturday. People noticed that all their friends’ names on the app were suddenly replaced with the word “AI.”
This unexpected change left users unable to identify who they were talking to. While profile pictures stayed the same, the names under each contact were replaced by the same label: “AI.” This made simple tasks like messaging or sharing videos very difficult.
The issue first gained attention on Reddit, where several users posted about the bug. One user, “9yearold911,” shared a screenshot showing how all their friends were labeled as “AI.” They wrote, “I can’t find any of my friends. They’re all just called AI. This is ridiculous.”
Many other users shared similar complaints. Some had to copy and paste video links manually to share content with friends. One comment read, “It feels like going back to the Stone Age.”
Adding to the confusion, some users also saw a message on their Instagram home screen: “AI chats are not yet available to everyone.” This message led people to believe that Instagram was rolling out new AI-based features, possibly causing the glitch.
As of Saturday morning, Meta had not shared any official statement about the issue. It is still unclear whether this was a system update, a test gone wrong, or an accidental release of new features.
This isn’t the first time Instagram’s AI tools have raised concerns. In June, users complained about being wrongly banned for using automation tools, even though they followed all platform rules.
Technology experts say the recent glitch highlights the dangers of adding AI tools too quickly. Ethan Zhao, a software engineer from Palo Alto, said, “There’s a growing trust deficit when companies roll out AI tools without proper communication. When systems break, users feel helpless.”
Digital rights groups are now urging Meta to test new features more carefully and keep users informed. Many people are still facing issues, while others say their app is working normally again.
The glitch has once again raised questions about transparency and the future of AI on platforms like Instagram.
In related tech updates, WhatsApp Beta Rolls Out Status Ads and Promoted Channels Features for Android Users is now live for early testers.
