Nextdoor Launches AI Assistant Feature
Nextdoor, the social networking platform for neighbours, is introducing an AI Assistant which will help users create more engaging posts. Currently in a trial stage, this feature harnesses ChatGPT technology to recommend better and friendlier posts.
A new report from TechCrunch explains that users will have suggestions for how to rephrase their written posts with this new tool. The Assistant can improve content moderation as it will detect potentially harmful content and recommend a friendlier approach.
“Our goal is to bring neighbors together to create stronger and more connected communities. We are excited about the possibilities for generative AI applications to help us realize this objective by fostering kinder, more productive, and engaging conversations – both online and offline”, said Kiran Prasad, Chief Product Officer, Nextdoor.
“With ChatGPT launching in November, we saw an opportunity to train ChatGPT technology on top of our proprietary local knowledge to create something we think really helps users create a more engaging post”, Sarah Frier, CEO of Nextdoor, told TechCrunch.
Nextdoor also shared that this technology will be used to direct more personalised and relevant content to users, as the platform has a greater ability to analyse conversations.
Friar shared that user choice is still key, with users able to decide whether they want to follow the Assistant’s suggestions.
The feature is not yet available to all of Nextdoor’s users, but it will be made widely available once the appropriate testing is completed.
“We’ll watch to make sure that there aren’t unforeseen consequences, and of course be accountable,” Friar explained.
“We’ll continue to move at the right pace to make sure we’re doing it the right way. With any new technology, there’s always concern about what could happen, but at the same time, we want to make AI available to the masses. I feel like everyone has a right to understand how this technology can make their life more efficient”, the CEO added.
Nextdoor will be looking to harness AI to a greater extent moving forward. The company hired Qi He, its new Head of AI, last year to help with AI adoption across the Nextdoor platform. To keep the use of its AI safe and ethical, Nextdoor created a list of Generative AI Principles.
