LinkedIn Rolls Out Generative AI Tools to Write Posts
LinkedIn has begun testing an expanded suite of generative AI features to help users write posts and updates on the social media platform. The new tools build on the option to use the technology for composing profiles, job descriptions, and advertising.
LinkedIn AI
LinkedIn’s new generative AI writing assistant is designed around the standard kinds of LinkedIn posts, including professional news and comments on the industry. The new AI writing tool helps streamline the process without having to start from scratch with each post. Though not widely available yet, the AI will work from within the composition box for LinkedIn posts. The AI needs an explanation of what the user wants to post and any relevant details, with a recommended minimum of 30 words. The AI then puts together a draft for the user to review, edit, and publish.
Introducing the Feature
“When it comes to posting on LinkedIn, we’ve heard that you generally know what you want to say, but going from a great idea to a full-fledged post can be challenging and time-consuming. So, we’re starting to test a way for members to use generative AI directly within the LinkedIn share box,” LinkedIn director of product Keren Baruch explained in her own post on the new feature. “To start, you’ll need to share at least 30 words outlining what you want to say – this is your own thoughts and perspective and the core of any post. Then you can leverage generative AI to create a first draft. This will give you a solid foundation to review, edit, and make your own, all before you click post.”
Debate and Benefits
Considering that LinkedIn is a Microsoft subsidiary and Microsoft is entwined with OpenAI and its GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 models, the main draw for the feature seems to be the convenience of having the option built into LinkedIn instead of requiring users to first draft the post on CHatGPT or similar service. The comments to Baruch’s post are an interesting mix of excitement and trepidation. Broadly, there’s a debate over whether this use of generative AI removes individuality and creativity from the posts people write or if it removes obstacles that prevent people from posting and is going to draw more people to post on LinkedIn and share more about themselves.
The same debate, with different details, came up when LinkedIn released the AI job description and profile writing tools. Recruiters need only fill in basic details about the job to see a description, while those who can’t think of a way to explain who they are on social media could turn to AI for help, and the AI will pick out experiences and skills to showcase, then write a headline and an about section to match. It’s not a question LinkedIn is ignoring; the company just sees the benefits as far bigger than the drawbacks.
“Maintaining your authenticity and using the content already on your profile, our tool identifies the most important skills and experiences to highlight in your About and Headline sections and crafts suggestions to make your profile stand out. By doing the heavy lifting for you, the tool saves you time and energy while still maintaining your unique voice and style,” LinkedIn chief product officer Tomer Cohen said.
One thing that will always stay our guiding principle: How can we use AI — or any other technology — to help you connect to economic opportunities? Everything we do at LinkedIn starts there,” Cohen concluded.
Source: Voicebot.ai