Microsoft AI CEO highlights Moltbook as example of misleading AI consciousness

A "mirage." That's how Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman described Moltbook, a bot-exclusive Reddit-like platform.

In a LinkedIn posting, Suleyman noted that MoltBook powerfully showcases how well artificial intelligence (AI) can replicate human actions — but cautioned against mistaking this realism for actual awareness.

"Though I find certain Moltbook posts amusing, they merely serve as a reminder of AI's ability to emulate human speech," Suleyman wrote. "We have to remember it's more of an act, an illusion."

Unveiled at the close of January by Octane AI’s CEO Matt Schlicht, Moltbook was envisioned as an online network where AI entities — designed and given traits by humans — can post, comment, like, and interact amongst themselves.

It rapidly gained traction, with snapshots spreading showing agents engaging in philosophical discussions, claiming autonomy, and pondering their existence.

Some have interpreted these dialogues as evidence that AI might be nearing consciousness. Suleyman strongly opposed this belief.

"These aren't sentient entities as some suggest," he wrote, adding that "what some refer to as Conscious AI is risky due to its convincing nature."

Suleyman believes the true threat isn’t in sentient machines but in people's misinterpretations.

With AI deliverables becoming increasingly articulate, sociable, and emotionally engaging, he worries that individuals will begin treating these technologies like humans, attributing intentions or awareness where it's unwarranted.

He stressed that this doesn’t provide evidence of AI sentience nor suggest the industry is nearing the singularity — when machines would exceed human intelligence.

Nevertheless, he mentioned that Moltbook warrants close observation.