Have you ever noticed an old Facebook post suddenly getting a wave of unexpected likes and shares? We sure have at the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, and after a little digging, we discovered that some of this new “engagement” isn’t coming from people at all—it’s coming from AI-generated accounts.

In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we break down what’s happening behind the scenes with AI engagement on social media. From our 2022 rainy Independence Day Parade video to the 2024 Ladies Night Out post that’s still getting “Wow” reactions from profiles that don’t seem real, we’re seeing a rise in AI interaction—and it’s not just us.

Why is this happening? We explore insights from Forbes and NPR, including how platforms like Meta are deploying AI profiles, how rights holders may use AI bots to drive up engagement (and ad revenue) on videos featuring their music, and why AI-generated accounts try to “put on a human skin” by sharing high-energy content.

And, of course, we end with a simple truth: AI bots might be able to like your post, but they won’t show up to volunteer at the Independence Day Parade.

Join us for this fascinating discussion, and let’s keep our online spaces genuinely human!

Interested in LADIES NIGHT OUT 2025? CHECK IT OUT!

🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts: Have you noticed AI profiles engaging with your posts?