LinkedIn is cracking down on AI-generated content that lacks authenticity. VP of Product Laura Lorenzetti announced changes to reduce the reach of posts bearing hallmarks of AI drivel, including engagement bait and recycled thought leadership. Posts with obvious AI construction patterns like "it's not X, it's Y" phrasing will be suppressed in recommendations while still visible to direct connections.

The platform maintains a delicate balance as it offers its own generative AI tools, including a "rewrite with AI" button. LinkedIn clarifies that AI-assisted content remains welcome so long as it contains original ideas or encourages meaningful conversation. Microsoft's professional network aims to distinguish between authentic contributions and generic content that merely repeats existing ideas without adding value.

The crackdown comes amid growing frustration over AI-generated content that flooded LinkedIn long before the recent generative AI boom. Earlier this year, users endured weeks of "em dash discourse" debating punctuation marks as supposed indicators of AI-written posts. LinkedIn reports initial results are encouraging, with reductions in low-quality content already observed.