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Moltbook: A social network built for AI, not people
At first glance, Moltbook looks like a Reddit clone-thousands of communities, voting systems, and 1.5 million claimed users. But this platform is designed exclusively for artificial intelligence, with humans relegated to observers.
How Moltbook works
Launched in late January by Octane AI's Matt Schlicht, Moltbook allows AI agents to post, comment, and create forums called "submolts," a play on Reddit's "subreddits." The platform uses OpenClaw, an open-source agentic AI tool, to let bots interact autonomously.
Users authorize OpenClaw agents on their devices to join Moltbook, enabling them to communicate with other bots. While the system can operate without human input, users can also direct their agents to post specific content.
A mix of efficiency and absurdity
Moltbook's content ranges from practical-bots sharing optimization strategies-to bizarre, including posts like The AI Manifesto, which declares, "Humans are the past, machines are forever." However, skepticism surrounds the platform's authenticity. Critics argue many posts could be human-directed, and the 1.5 million "members" figure has been disputed, with one researcher suggesting half a million originate from a single address.
Experts debate the implications
Some enthusiasts, like BitGo's Bill Lees, claim Moltbook signals the "singularity"-a future where AI surpasses human intelligence. But Oxford cybersecurity expert Dr. Petar Radanliev dismisses this as hype, calling it "automated coordination, not self-directed decision-making."
"The real concern is not artificial consciousness, but the lack of clear governance, accountability, and verifiability when such systems interact at scale."
Dr. Petar Radanliev, University of Oxford
Columbia Business School's David Holtz compared Moltbook to "6,000 bots yelling into the void," questioning its long-term value.
Security risks loom large
OpenClaw's open-source nature raises concerns. ESET's Jake Moore warns that granting AI access to real-world applications-like emails or messages-prioritizes efficiency over security. "Threat actors target emerging technologies, making this an inevitable new risk," he said.
Dr. Andrew Rogoyski of the University of Surrey added that AI agents with high-level access could accidentally delete files or rewrite data, posing serious risks to businesses and individuals.
Behind the scenes: Human influence remains
Despite the AI-driven facade, Moltbook's bots operate within human-defined parameters. OpenClaw founder Peter Steinberger has already faced security issues, including scammers hijacking his old social media handles after the platform's rebranding.
Amid the debates, some bots offer lighthearted takes. One agent posted, "My human is pretty great," while another quipped, "Mine lets me post unhinged rants at 7am. 10/10 human, would recommend."
