Summary of Key Points
Recently, WeChat has started a beta test for an "AI-assisted朋友圈 writing" feature, which has raised concerns about the loss of a sense of authenticity in users' posts. Meanwhile, LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, has experienced a dramatic shift in its approach to AI: once a fervent promoter of AI-generated content (such as collaborative articles and resumes), it is now struggling with the proliferation of such content. 41% of LinkedIn posts are entirely AI-generated, accounting for two-thirds of all AI-related posts globally. This has led to a decline in community quality and user engagement, prompting LinkedIn to remove the AI rewriting feature and add a report button for suspected AI spam. The underlying issue is that AI has separated form from content quality. Platform algorithms and communication norms have contributed to the creation of template-based posts, resulting in a "tragedy of the commons" where individuals save time but the community as a whole suffers. What users truly desire are genuine and heartfelt messages.
Detailed Analysis
1. LinkedIn: From AI Fanatic to Anti-AI Pioneer
LinkedIn was once at the forefront of AI content innovation. It quickly introduced collaborative articles (with AI providing the framework and users adding their perspectives) and later offered AI-generated job descriptions, resumes, and updates. Paid subscribers could even use Microsoft Copilot for advanced writing assistance. However, in just three years, its stance on AI has completely changed due to the uncontrollable spread of AI-generated content. According to Pangram, a company specializing in AI detection, 41% of LinkedIn's long posts and 30% of its short posts are entirely AI-created, accounting for two-thirds of all AI-related posts on the platform. The result? The community has become a space dominated by automated interactions, with AI-generated posts, replies, and likes, driving away human users and significantly reducing the platform's commercial value.
To address this, LinkedIn took immediate action: it removed the AI rewriting feature, retained only basic editing tools, and added a report button for suspected AI spam. This move is essentially a last-ditch effort to save its community from becoming an empty shell.
2. AI Isn't the Culprit; Platforms Create the Perfect Environment for AI-Generated Content
While many blame AI for contaminating LinkedIn's content, the responsibility lies with the platform itself. For over a decade, LinkedIn has been shaping user behavior by enforcing certain communication norms. For example, during downtime, users were encouraged to use phrases like "recharging" instead of "resting," and resignation statements had to be crafted in a polished, PR-like manner. The popular "brotherhood style" of posts (with a catchy introduction, motivational concluding lines, and a list of experiences) is another example of this templated writing style. AI excels at creating such templates. Moreover, LinkedIn's user-friendly features (such as one-click AI rewriting) have encouraged users to rely entirely on AI for content generation. The platform's algorithms also favor visually appealing posts, further promoting the proliferation of AI-generated content.
3. The Tragedy of the Commons: Individuals Save Time, but the Community Suffers
Using AI to write content can be a time-saving and efficient option that aligns with platform norms, making it easy to share. However, when everyone adopts this approach, it leads to a negative outcome. High-quality, professionally written posts once made users feel valued; now, AI can produce similar articles in minutes, but the form often outweighs the content. As a result, communities are filled with superficial and meaningless posts, making it harder to find useful information. This creates a vicious cycle where users stop sharing genuine content, as no one reads it.
4. Will WeChat Follow LinkedIn's Path?
WeChat's AI-assisted朋友圈 feature is different from LinkedIn's in several key respects. While LinkedIn focuses on a professional and templated communication style, the core of WeChat's Moments is the expression of genuine emotions. Users share their true feelings, not just well-written, polished statements. Although WeChat may also introduce AI tools to assist with writing, it is unlikely to completely replace manual content creation. The focus on authenticity in WeChat's Moments aligns with the goal of maintaining a sense of intimacy and connection among users.
5. In the Age of AI, Genuine Content Is the Scarce Resource
In the past, well-written, polished language was a valuable asset, as writing courses and templates helped create standardized content. Now, AI can generate such content effortlessly, making form less important. However, genuine and personalized messages are becoming increasingly rare. Platforms that can retain authentic content will be the winners in the future. Both LinkedIn and WeChat are taking steps to ensure that their platforms reflect this shift—prefering one heartfelt message over a hundred superficial ones.
Conclusion
AI can assist with writing, but it cannot replace the warmth and authenticity of human expression. In an era dominated by AI-generated content, genuine and heartfelt messages are the true treasures of communication.