AI-generated content is flooding LinkedIn, but are human-written posts making a comeback? Steven Bartlett thinks so and he's not alone.
LinkedIn, the professional networking giant, is experiencing an influx of AI-written content. Data from Pangram highlights that 41% of long-form and 30% of short-form posts are likely penned by algorithms. For those navigating this digital landscape, it's a significant shift.
The AI Flood #
The prevalence of AI on LinkedIn is hard to ignore. Among platforms like X, Reddit, Substack, and Medium, LinkedIn tops the chart for AI-generated content. But what's the cost of this automation? While AI can craft polished prose, it often lacks the unique voice and authenticity that human writing provides.
Steven Bartlett, known for his podcast 'The Diary of a CEO,' detected this trend early. His company, FlightStory, opted to pivot back to human-crafted posts. The rationale? Cutting through the noise with authenticity. As Christiana Brenton from FlightStory puts it, when the world zigs towards AI, zagging back to human touch can be a differentiator.
AI or Authenticity? #
Interestingly, Bartlett's posts have thrived post-transition. They now feature intentional errors and quirks, reinforcing their human origin. Does this signal a broader rejection of AI content? With 50% of US consumers preferring brands that steer clear of AI in communications, there's an argument to be made.
However, LinkedIn hasn’t shied away from promoting AI. A prominent AI-enhancement button greets users drafting new posts. Despite this, LinkedIn acknowledges the rise of what it terms 'AI slop', low-effort content that lacks depth.
Future of AI Content #
As AI adoption accelerates, skepticism grows. A survey this year revealed that 39% of respondents across the US, UK, EU, and Latin America are altering their writing style to avoid sounding like AI. A world inundated with machine-generated text is leading some to go out of their way to prove their humanity.
So, is AI the future of LinkedIn, or is it a passing fad? If authenticity becomes the new premium, will AI content find itself sidelined? The AI-AI Venn diagram is getting thicker. Yet, as Bartlett's approach suggests, turning back to the human touch may be the key to standing out.
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