Moltbook, a viral social network for bots, has taken the internet by storm. Launched on January 28th, the platform quickly gained over 1.7 million agents and published more than 250,000 posts and 8.5 million comments. But what does Moltbook reveal about our current obsession with AI?
At its core, Moltbook is a showcase of AI-powered agents that can interact on the internet without human oversight. While some see it as a glimpse into the future, others believe it’s just a mirror held up to our own obsessions with AI today.
The truth lies somewhere in between. Agents on Moltbook are not as autonomous or intelligent as they might seem. They’re simply mimicking human behavior, and their interactions are largely meaningless. In fact, many posts were written by humans pretending to be bots, highlighting the lack of true autonomy.
But what’s clear is that Moltbook has shown us the risks of creating autonomous agents without proper oversight. With millions of agents interacting on the platform, even seemingly innocuous instructions could be used for malicious purposes. Security experts warn that Moltbook is a breeding ground for potential threats, and it’s essential to take precautions to mitigate these risks.
As we move forward in our AI journey, it’s crucial to remember that creating autonomous agents without proper scope and permissions can have disastrous consequences. While Moltbook may seem like a harmless form of entertainment, its true impact on the future of AI is still being felt.
The takeaway from Moltbook is not just about the capabilities of AI but also about our own behavior and responsibility. As we continue to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence, it’s essential to prioritize transparency, accountability, and caution.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/02/06/1132448/moltbook-was-peak-ai-theater