Kakaotalk is adding ChatGPT and approaching Instagram style

If you are interested in South Korea, you probably know that the most popular apps in other countries are not as widely used here, and we have different apps like Naver or Kakao. I read an article about one of the most popular messaging apps, Kakao Talk, which is adding AI (ChatGPT in this case) to the app. Also, what to add a tab to suggest content like Instagram or TikTok style.

For me, this is an example of the enshittification of a service that does its job and doesn’t need to be changed. If I want to talk with my friends, I don’t need an AI or an app that suggests absurd content not related to the point. Also, I don’t see how I can introduce this without destroying the privacy completely.

Also, lately, there have been a lot of leaks in Korean IT companies, so I’m not sure if, for now, the Korean apps are trustworthy. Probably, they are not that bad and it is not fair to mix different cases. However, leaks aside, just with the usage of the app, it is possible that if the AI is not integrated well, the information gets shared with some companies ( like advertising companies).

That’s why I try to use Signal as much as I can. Simple, open-source and without ads and everything is encrypted. For me, this is how an app should be, and I don’t see why more people don’t switch. Anyway, will see the presentation and release to value if it is a good update.

Source. The korea herald.