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

AI startup Instinct has launched "Instinct Selections," a new feature that pushes unsolicited product recommendations across dining, travel, and shopping. Founder Noah Shinn announced the feature, saying it would partner with "local chefs, designers, architects, travel guides" and others to bring human-curated suggestions to its AI agent. The launch was met with widespread negative reactions on X, with users including Shruti Gandhi of Array VC, Andrew Yeung, Chat Joglekar, and Ash Thaker complaining about receiving unwanted product pushes for items like carry-on luggage, sunglasses, and travel accessories. Critics noted that product suggestions should be explicitly requested by users or naturally integrated into conversations to feel helpful rather than like advertising; otherwise, they feel like spam. Instinct hasn't confirmed whether it monetizes these recommendations, though the feature seems suited for advertising or affiliate revenue. The backlash comes shortly after the company confirmed a $1 billion Series C round at a $10 billion valuation. In a recent podcast, Shinn said the agent handles close to $1 billion in annual transactions, with over 50% related to travel. Instinct competes with AI agents from larger companies like Meta and OpenAI, which don't push unsolicited product suggestions.

(Source：TechCrunch)