Shapes is a novel app designed to facilitate group conversations that include both humans and AI characters. Recently emerging from stealth mode, the app has secured $8 million in seed funding and boasts over 400,000 monthly active users.
Founded in 2022 by Anushk Mittal and Noorie Dhingra, Shapes seeks to tackle the phenomenon known as “AI Psychosis,” where excessive interaction with AI can lead to negative psychological effects. By incorporating AI into group settings rather than isolating users in one-on-one chats, Shapes aims to foster healthier interactions.
How Shapes Works:
- AI characters, referred to as “Shapes,” participate in group chats just like human users.
- Users can create and customize their own Shapes, leading to a diverse array of personalities.
- Shapes can initiate conversations, helping to break the ice and maintain engagement in chats.
Mittal emphasizes that traditional AI interactions are often too private, stating, “Our lives run on group chats. It’s just natural to bring in AI into those same conversations.” Shapes allows AI to contribute meaningfully to social dynamics, enhancing the overall chat experience.
User Engagement:
Shapes has seen significant growth, with a sixfold increase in users since the beginning of the year. Many users reportedly spend two to four hours daily on the app, engaging with various group chats tailored to their interests.
To join, users select their interests upon signing up, which helps the app recommend relevant group chats. This feature not only connects users with like-minded individuals but also enriches their social experience.
Addressing Group Chat Challenges:
One of the common issues in group chats is the hesitation to initiate conversation. Shapes addresses this by allowing AI characters to start discussions, ensuring that users receive responses and feel acknowledged, which can help sustain engagement.
While other platforms like ChatGPT enable AI-human interactions, Shapes differentiates itself by focusing on community-driven social interactions rather than planning or brainstorming sessions.
Future Plans:
With the recent funding, Shapes plans to accelerate its development and expand its user base. The investment round was led by Lightspeed, with contributions from AI Capital Partners, AI Grant, and several angel investors.
