WhatsApp has introduced “Writing Help,” a new artificial intelligence feature designed to enable users to rephrase, proofread, and adjust the tone of their messages. The announcement was made by the Meta-owned company on Wednesday, marking WhatsApp’s entry into AI-assisted communication.
The core function of “Writing Help” revolves around providing users with options to modify their message content. This encompasses rephrasing for clarity, proofreading to correct errors, and adjusting the tone to better suit the intended audience or context. The feature aims to enhance the user’s ability to communicate effectively within the WhatsApp platform.
A key aspect of this new feature is its focus on user privacy. “Writing Help” leverages Meta’s Private Processing technology. This technology ensures that AI-generated suggestions are provided without Meta or WhatsApp having access to the original message or the suggested rewrites. The design is intended to maintain the privacy of user communications while utilizing AI assistance.
“Writing Help” offers a range of AI-generated suggestions, enabling users to rewrite their messages in different styles. These styles include professional, funny, supportive, or simply rephrased versions of the original text. The flexibility allows users to tailor their messages to the specific situation.
WhatsApp provided an example of “Writing Help” in action, showcasing a user’s original message, “Please don’t leave dirty socks on the sofa.” The AI then suggested “funny” rewrites, including phrases like “Please don’t make the sofa a sock graveyard,” “Breaking news: Socks found chilling on the couch. Please move them,” and “Hey, sock ninja, the laundry basket is that way!” This illustrates how the feature can alter the tone of a message.
The introduction of “Writing Help” suggests that WhatsApp is aiming to integrate AI capabilities directly into its platform. The company is likely hoping that users will opt to use its in-app technology for drafting messages, rather than resorting to external AI tools such as ChatGPT. By offering a built-in AI assistant, WhatsApp seeks to keep users within its ecosystem.
Users can access “Writing Help” through a new pencil icon that appears when drafting a message within the WhatsApp application. Tapping this icon activates the AI feature, providing users with options for rephrasing and adjusting the tone of their messages.
The initial rollout of “Writing Help” is limited. The feature is being launched in English in select countries, starting on Wednesday. This phased approach allows WhatsApp to monitor performance and gather user feedback before a wider release.
