GoKawiilInstinct launches curated shopping feature, draws user backlash on X
AI startup Instinct rolled out a new feature called Instinct Selections that pushes personalized product recommendations for dining, travel, and shopping, curated with input from unnamed human partners like chefs and designers. Founder Noah Shinn announced the feature on X, saying it aims to blend AI suggestions with human taste to differentiate from typical chatbot output. Some users, including investor Shruti Gandhi, publicly criticized the rollout as unwanted and comparable to generic e-commerce recommendation spam.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The launch signals Instinct's attempt to build a monetizable recommendation business layered on top of its AI agent, potentially opening a path to commerce partnerships and affiliate-style revenue. The negative early reaction suggests a risk that unsolicited product pushes could erode user trust in an AI assistant positioned as personalized and helpful rather than promotional. How Instinct responds to this feedback could shape whether the feature is seen as a differentiator or a misstep.
- Instinct introduced 'Instinct Selections,' a curated recommendation feature for dining, travel, and shopping.
- The feature blends AI output with human curation from unnamed partners like chefs and designers.
- Early user feedback on X has been critical, with some comparing it to unwanted shopping-app style recommendations.
Source: techcrunch.com — Sarah Perez, 2026-09-30
Published there as: “Instinct’s new product recommendations are giving some users the ick”
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