LinkedIn's foray into generative AI writing assistance has not seen the level of adoption the company had anticipated. In a recent statement, LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky acknowledged that the platform’s AI-powered writing suggestions—designed to help users craft posts, summaries, and profile sections—have not been as widely used as expected.
The tool, introduced as part of LinkedIn’s broader integration of artificial intelligence into its professional ecosystem, aimed to help users articulate themselves more effectively. However, actual user engagement appears to have lagged behind the optimism that accompanied its launch.
Adoption Falling Short of Expectations
While AI features are being rapidly embraced across industries—from resume builders to automated emails—LinkedIn’s core user base has shown hesitancy in relying on machine-generated content, especially for something as personal and professional as self-expression.
Roslansky pointed out that “only a single-digit percentage” of LinkedIn users have actively used the writing assistant, despite the tool being available to a broader audience. This indicates a significant gap between availability and adoption, raising questions about user comfort levels with AI-generated content in professional spaces.
Industry analysts note that the subdued uptake may reflect broader concerns around authenticity and voice. On a platform where professional identity and personal branding are paramount, many users may prefer crafting original content that reflects their personality, tone, and achievements without algorithmic help.
The Authenticity Barrier
LinkedIn's AI writing assistant can draft profile summaries, suggest comments on posts, or help initiate thought leadership content. However, concerns around tone accuracy, generic phrasing, and loss of originality appear to be affecting user confidence.
Several users and experts have voiced the opinion that AI-generated posts often feel impersonal or overly polished—qualities that might deter genuine engagement on the platform. In a professional setting where individuality and authenticity drive network-building and recruitment potential, relying on AI may be perceived as inauthentic or even misleading.
Additionally, with growing awareness of AI’s limitations—such as hallucinations or context misinterpretations—many users remain cautious about handing over creative or narrative control, especially in public-facing profiles.
AI Integration Not a Failure, But a Learning Curve
Despite these challenges, Roslansky emphasized that the rollout of AI tools on LinkedIn is part of a larger experiment in user assistance. He positioned the current performance of the writing assistant not as a failure but as a valuable learning point in understanding user behaviour and expectations in a professional context.
He also noted that AI adoption within LinkedIn isn’t uniform—tools like job search optimization, recruiter filters, and profile insights continue to perform well and deliver measurable user benefits.
LinkedIn, which is owned by Microsoft, has been incorporating AI features in alignment with Microsoft's broader AI push across products like Office 365 and GitHub Copilot. The goal is to streamline workflows and augment user capabilities, not replace human input.
A Broader Reflection on AI Usage in Content Creation
LinkedIn’s experience underscores a larger truth emerging across digital platforms: while generative AI offers speed and convenience, users still gravitate toward authenticity—particularly when self-representation or professional reputation is at stake.
As other platforms explore or expand their use of AI content suggestions, LinkedIn's data may serve as a cautionary tale about over-relying on automation for tasks that are deeply human at their core.
According to a recent internal user survey (as cited in press coverage), more than 60% of users said they would rather write content themselves than use an AI prompt, highlighting the continuing trust gap between users and generative tools in the professional content space.
What’s Next for AI on LinkedIn?
Roslansky indicated that the company will continue refining its AI tools based on user feedback. Enhancements may focus on improving tone adaptation, contextual accuracy, and personalization to boost relevance and trust.
At the same time, LinkedIn plans to explore other AI-driven features such as interview prep, skill assessments, and deeper analytics for job seekers and recruiters—areas where efficiency gains are more welcome than stylistic automation.
As AI continues to evolve, the challenge for platforms like LinkedIn will be to strike a balance: leveraging AI to empower users while maintaining the authenticity that defines professional interaction.