LinkedIn has introduced a feature called collaborative articles, which uses “AI-powered conversation starters” to start discussions between “experts” using the platform. In an announcement post on fridaythe company says it will “match each article with relevant expert members” based on their skill chart, inviting them to add context, additional information, and advice to the stories.
The company believes the system will make it easier for people to contribute their views because “starting a conversation is harder than joining one.” People may judge the contributions of experts with an “insightful” reaction.
According to LinkedIn spokeswoman Suzi Owens, “article bodies are AI-powered,” based on prompts “constantly created and refined by” the company’s editorial team.
The company has already been using the technology to pump almost 40 articles in the last two days, which is a pretty intense pace. Personally, I don’t think I can find that many indications in a week. They cover topics ranging from things like how to show instead of tell when writing or overcoming a creative block, to how to use comments and semicolons.
According to an email sent to users provided to the edge By social media consultant Matt Navarra, LinkedIn has chosen a “select group of experts” to contribute articles, saying doing so could help improve their reputation and increase their following. Articles also end with a note telling readers they can request access to contribute by “liking or reacting to this article.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly given AI’s reputation for sometimes getting it wrong, some AI-powered content has generated mixed reactions from contributors. Although some sections have received comments such as “Excellent advice” or “Very logical starting point.” who then go on to add context and other information, there have been more critical responses. “I’m not sure what is being said here” answer onewith another declaring “I have a different opinion.” To be fair, you can probably find similar opinions in the comment sections of many human-written articles as well.
(I also found at least one example of someone promoting their book in a reply, which is probably the most stereotypical LinkedIn behavior ever.)
It’s not exactly surprising that LinkedIn is using AI in at least some capacity. Its parent company, Microsoft, has been pouring billions into ChatGPT developer OpenAI, and has been working to add the technology to many of its products. Additionally, the idea of collaborative posts fits with LinkedIn’s overall drive to become a place where professionals come to learn, not just brag or run ideas. The company also has its LinkedIn Learning division, which was created after the company bought e-learning site Lynda.com. What better way to top it off than with a deluge of multi-sourced articles covering every subject an AI can think of?
