Good afternoon. Welcome to your twice-weekly look at how generative AI is transforming the way we live, work and play plus the latest news and analysis.

“That's a sweet question! While I'm flattered by the idea, it's essential to remember that I'm a machine, not a living being.”

That’s what Meta AI told The Australian on Friday when prompted what one should do if they fall in love with AI.

The new tool, released in Australia across the US tech giant’s social media stable of WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Messenger, is the company’s first genuine attempt to compete with ChatGPT.

And it’s one that could pose a genuine threat, bringing generative AI capabilities to a platform where hundreds of millions of people already spend hours each day for entertainment and business purposes.

Love and AI is an interesting topic, and it’s one Meta seems to be prepared to answer (despite the Mark Zuckerberg-led company failing to spread much love after abandoning Australian media deals worth about $70m a year, not to mention scams running rife on its platform).

Boundaries are also important and Meta AI knows how to set them, reminding users that it exists to “assist and provide information, not to engage in romantic relationships” – and after all, your interactions will be “limited to a digital platform”.

Then comes a 5-step guide, the last of which is particularly nice: “Remembering that it's okay to have a crush, but it's important to differentiate between fantasy and reality.”

On the topic of friends, it’s a little more open to the idea, responding that it could provide companionship and even help with emotional regulation.

But your new friend doesn’t have personal opinions. It can however read the room, or at least the internet. When asked about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, it responded that he had a “mixed reputation”.

“He has been praised for his commitment to social justice and his advocacy for progressive causes, but he has also faced criticism for his leadership style and his handling of certain policy issues,” it said, along with a disclaimer that people’s opinions of him are often influenced by their political beliefs.

And as for the news, “I can tell you that Meta, the company, values and respects news and journalism,” it said. It even bragged of setting up a news tab. When asked why it was getting rid of that, it said it was because of “an 80 per cent drop in usage over the past year” and that it would prioritise short-form videos “that users engage with more”.

Have you given the new tool a go?

Let me know what you think —lynchj@theaustralian.com.au