Meet Shapes, the app bringing humans and AI into the same group chats

2026-04-29 · Source: AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Gaming & Interactive Media · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

Shapes, an application enabling human and AI character interaction within shared group conversations, has emerged from stealth with $8 million in seed funding. Founded in 2022 by Anushk Mittal and Noorie Dhingra, the app currently boasts over 400,000 monthly active users and aims to mitigate "AI psychosis" by integrating AI into social group settings rather than isolating one-on-one interactions. Users can create and customize AI characters, also called "Shapes," which are clearly labeled and participate in chats like human users. The platform facilitates community-style interactions, with over three million user-created Shapes, many rooted in fandom. The company plans to use the new funding, led by Lightspeed, to accelerate development and user acquisition, following a sixfold increase in users this year.

Key takeaway

For AI Product Managers developing social platforms, consider integrating AI characters into group chat environments to foster community and mitigate the risks of "AI psychosis." Your design should prioritize transparent AI labeling and allow AI agents to actively participate in conversations, not just respond when prompted. This approach can enhance user engagement and address common challenges in maintaining active group discussions.

Key insights

Integrating AI into group chats with human oversight can mitigate risks associated with isolated AI interactions.

Principles

• Group interaction enhances AI integration.
• Transparency in AI identity is crucial.
• AI can facilitate social engagement.

Method

Shapes allows users to create AI characters with defined personalities that participate in group chats alongside humans, initiating and sustaining conversations within specific interest communities.

In practice

• Use AI to initiate group conversations.
• Design AI for community-style interactions.
• Label AI participants clearly for transparency.

Topics

• Shapes App
• AI Group Chat
• AI Psychosis
• Social AI Interaction
• Seed Funding

Best for: Product Manager, AI Product Manager, Entrepreneur, Investor

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI News & Artificial Intelligence | TechCrunch.