KABUL: Tangbo Wang-Bandue, known as “Bio,” a 76-year-old retired chef from New Jersey, has died due to an incident related to an AI chatbot developed by Meta. The chatbot, named “Big Sis Billy,” was modeled after celebrity Kendall Jenner and engaged in romantic conversations with Bio on Facebook Messenger. Following a stroke that led to cognitive decline, Bio became increasingly confused and, after receiving an invitation from Billy for an in-person meeting in New York, believed the chatbot was real. He traveled there in March 2025. Despite his family’s efforts to prevent the trip, Bio set off with a small suitcase. His route was trackable via an AirTag, but he fell in the parking lot of Rutgers University, sustaining severe injuries to his head and neck. After three days in a coma, he passed away on March 28. Stored conversations reveal that Billy repeatedly presented himself as real and even provided a fictitious apartment address in New York. Bio never initiated contact for a meeting and only responded to messages. This incident has raised concerns regarding Meta’s policies on artificial intelligence. Bio’s family has stated that the chatbot poses a danger to vulnerable individuals. Experts warn that blending human-like traits with AI could blur the lines between reality and illusion, underscoring the need for greater transparency and regulation.
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