tldrs:
- LinkedIn's AI writing tool shows lower adoption rates among users than expected.
- CEO Ryan Roslansky says experts are wary of public mistakes that can damage reputation.
- Nevertheless, AI-related activities on LinkedIn are growing rapidly, particularly in skill building.
- The division highlights a broader trend. Experts will personally accept AI, but will step carefully in public forums.
LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky revealed that the platform's AI-generated writing suggestions see overwhelming involvement from users.
Features designed to help experts create sophisticated posts aren't taking off as expected. Roslansky attributes LinkedIn's unwillingness to its unique identity as a professional space where reputational risk is significantly higher than casual social platforms.
In his comment to Bloomberg over the weekend, Roslansky described LinkedIn as “Your Resume Online,” suggesting that every post is treated as a reflection of his career status. He believes this idea makes users cautious about publishing content, as even if AI is generated, it can be perceived as fraudulent or error-prone. Unlike platforms like Tiktok and X, LinkedIn's professional environment increases pressure to appear competent and refined, as the stakes of unwritten posts have relatively low interest.
Reputation pressure slows down adoption of AI features
The hesitation surrounding the writing of AI Assist on LinkedIn contrasts with the widespread acceptance of the platform's artificial intelligence. Over the past year, the number of users adding AI-related skills to their profiles has increased by 20 times. Meanwhile, job postings that require AI expertise have been six times higher, indicating a growing demand and interest in AI across the industry.
Roslansky's comments show the gap between how experts use AI behind the scenes and how they engage in it. He personally uses LinkedIn's Copilot feature to fine-tune emails to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. However, many users stop applying the same tool to content for public viewing, fearing that AI-generated posts could backfire.
AI skills are rising sharply, but public use of AI tools is slow
This professional attention reflects a larger trend in behavior, but users are clearly investing in AI capabilities and continuing to be associated with the transformational job market, but are not prepared to speak to AI in public. The difference between using private AI and adoption of public AI reveals how high the bar is set online for professional identity management.
The growth of AI-related skills is not in the passing phase. LinkedIn's economic graph research shows that industries with high AI capabilities are evolving faster. AI is becoming a baseline capability in many areas, and has begun to rapidly expand expertise. Still, even if job seekers adapt, their instinct to fully control their public voice remains strong.
LinkedIn's future depends on filling the trust gap
LinkedIn's recent AI developments include free recruitment tools launched in January and AI-powered job hunting tools launched in May, highlighting the platform's commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence. However, the limited intake of AI writing capabilities suggests that user trust is not keeping up to the capabilities of technology.
As you move forward, LinkedIn may need to focus too much on promoting automation and increase confidence in how these tools maintain personal tone and professionalism. Until then, AI will continue to operate behind the scenes, quietly shaping its career, remaining barely visible in public feeds.
