LinkedIn Users Hesitant on AI Post Polish

CEO Reveals Surprising Lack of Enthusiasm for AI-Generated Content Suggestions

Although many professionals are adopting AI, LinkedIn users are not embracing one specific feature as enthusiastically: AI-driven suggestions for refining posts. This surprising trend highlights the nuanced relationship professionals have with AI in their online presence.

The Bottleneck: Online Reputation

According to Ryan Roslansky, LinkedIn’s CEO, the AI polishing tool isn’t as popular as he anticipated. Roslansky believes posting on LinkedIn carries a “higher barrier” because the platform essentially functions as one’s online resume. Users also risk significant negative reactions to content that appears obviously AI-generated.

The professional social network has seen a 6x increase in jobs requiring AI-related skills over the past year, while the number of users adding AI skills to their profiles is up 20x.

— World Today News (@worldtodaynews)
June 24, 2024

“If you’re getting called out on X or TikTok, that’s one thing,”

—Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn

While social media users are increasingly using AI, a recent survey found that only 23% of them are comfortable with AI-generated content on professional platforms (Source 2024).

AI Skills Demand and CEO’s Personal Usage

Even with this reticence, LinkedIn has seen substantial growth in the demand for AI-related skills. Simultaneously, the number of users highlighting AI skills on their profiles has surged. Roslansky admitted he uses AI personally. He reportedly uses the Copilot feature before sending emails to his boss, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

This dichotomy reveals the complex interplay between AI adoption and the importance of maintaining professional credibility online. As AI continues to evolve, users’ comfort levels with these tools will also likely continue to evolve.