AI Tools for Social Media: A Cautionary Tale

Watch out! Before you leap into the world of AI-driven social media tools, allow me to share an experience that might make you reconsider.

I recently decided to explore an AI-based software designed to enhance content, engagement, and connections on LinkedIn. Initially, it appeared to be the golden ticket – not just a scheduling tool, but also equipped with AI-assisted content development, AI-generated posts and comments, a library of trending content, and more features crafted to elevate your social media presence.

We were dazzled, to say the least.

However, during the free trial period, we cautiously refrained from using the AI-generated content and comments. And soon enough, our reservations were justified.

Alarm bells rang when we noticed our loyal supporters and followers – our “regular crowd” – distancing themselves. Engagement with new posts scheduled through this software plummeted. And then there were the eerily similar comments, popping up within minutes of posting, all from the same four accounts. A pattern too consistent to be organic.

A week into the trial, the metrics confirmed our fears:

• A 70% decline in impressions
• Comments reduced by 70%
• An 80% drop in engagements
• Shares plummeted by 95%

Our genuine audience was being overshadowed by an AI-generated audience, and the quality of interaction suffered significantly. We couldn't help but wonder if LinkedIn itself was suppressing content generated by AI tools, particularly those promoting low-quality, spam-like content and comments.

Within hours of severing ties with the software, normalcy began to creep back. Our regular audience re-emerged, engaging authentically with our content. However, the lingering question remains – when will our engagement metrics fully recover?

So, consider this a word of caution. AI, despite its allure, is not a guaranteed path to social media success. Social networks, too, are under no obligation to accommodate these tools.

Before entrusting AI with your social media engagement, be wary. Be skeptical. AI is a tool, not a magic wand, and its efficacy is only as promising as its application.