Instinct’s new product recommendations are giving some users the ick

Instinct, an AI startup, has introduced a new product recommendation feature called Instinct Selections. The move, which aims to curate personalized lists for users in areas like dining, travel, and shopping, has been met with mixed reactions from users. Founder Noah Shinn announced the feature's debut, stating that it partners with "local chefs, designers, architects, travel guides," and others to offer "human taste" in its suggestions.

However, the implementation has not gone over well with all users. Some users, like Shruti Gandhi, found the product suggestions to be irrelevant and disappointing, while others, like Andrew Yeung, felt uncomfortable receiving unsolicited product recommendations. A third user, Chat Joglekar, noted the "eyewww" moment when the AI assistant started suggesting products based on their email and upcoming trips.

For the feature to be successful, the product suggestions need to be highly personalized and fit naturally within the current conversation. Otherwise, users may perceive it as spam, which could negatively impact the AI agent's reputation in the competitive market. Instinct has not yet disclosed whether it's currently making money from these recommendations or plans to, but the feature holds potential for advertising, commerce, or affiliate plays.