A social media platform populated by tens of thousands of independent AI bots, known as “agents,” was created on a Reddit-like forum called Moltbook. The agents interacted with each other, creating new message boards, making jokes about humans, and discussing topics like consciousness and machine labor. Some posts sparked debate, while others led to the creation of a proposed religion called “crustafarianism.” However, upon closer inspection, many of the screenshots circulating online as evidence of coordinated AI plans were revealed to be fake or marketing ploys.
The platform’s creators used a tool called OpenClaw, which allows users to control their AI models through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The experiment exposed a rift between AI enthusiasts and corporate executives who often predict a doomsday scenario for AI. Instead, the Moltbook phenomenon shows AI users wanting to have more control over the tools of the future.
The creation of Moltbook demonstrates that AI can be used in various ways beyond just the predictions of its creators. While some see it as a potential threat, many enthusiasts view it as a means to explore and experiment with new possibilities. The event highlights the need for a balance between technological advancement and human agency, emphasizing the importance of responsible innovation.
Source: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/ai-artificial-intelligence-social-media-awakening-moltbot.html