Spot AI-Generated Comments on LinkedIn and Keep Authenticity

Have you ever read a comment on LinkedIn and wondered if it was written by a person or by a robot? With the rise of artificial intelligence tools, this question is becoming increasingly relevant. Professional platforms like LinkedIn are flooded with AI-generated comments designed to boost engagement and maintain an active presence with minimal effort. But this efficiency comes at a cost: authenticity. Knowing how to distinguish genuine human interaction from automated responses is now an essential skill for navigating the professional digital landscape.

The Rise of AI in LinkedIn Engagement: Why Such Popularity?

The appeal of AI comment generators for LinkedIn is easy to understand: they promise to solve one of the biggest challenges of online professional networking—the lack of time. For entrepreneurs, marketing teams, and busy professionals, maintaining a constant and engaging presence on LinkedIn can be a colossal task. You need to follow prospects’ posts, participate in industry discussions, and respond to comments on your own posts. This is where AI comes in, offering a way to automate part of that process.

Tools like Engage AI or Planable are designed to help users be the “first to engage.” They monitor posts from targeted prospects and draft relevant comment suggestions, allowing the user to stand out in overloaded news feeds. These platforms, often powered by technologies such as OpenAI (ChatGPT) and Google Gemini, go beyond simple comments. They can help to:

• Write full posts and articles.

• Optimize LinkedIn profiles with relevant keywords.

• Customize connection requests to increase acceptance rates.

• Write impactful recommendations for colleagues or clients.

As installers of smart energy solutions, we at Les Nouveaux Installateurs understand the value of intelligent automation to optimize performance. Just as a smart control system maximizes the self-consumption of a solar installation, these AI tools aim to maximize the impact of every online interaction. However, no matter how intelligent a machine is, it cannot reproduce the nuance and sincerity of a true human connection.

Telltale Signs: How to Spot an AI-Generated Comment

Distinguishing an authentic comment from one generated by AI is not always obvious, as language models become increasingly sophisticated. However, several clues can reveal a non-human origin. By learning to recognize them, you can better evaluate the quality of your online interactions.

1. Generic Praise and Lack of Substance

The most common sign of an AI comment is its vague and overly positive nature. These comments lack specificity and could apply to almost any post.

• “Excellent article, thank you for sharing!”

• “Very relevant. I appreciate this perspective.”

• “Well said! That’s an important point.”

While a busy person might leave a similar comment, AI comments do so repeatedly without ever adding real value. They do not ask follow-up questions, share personal experiences, or challenge any point. They simply fill a gap to signal an “interaction.”

2. Off-Tone or Misinterpreted Context

Comment generation tools often allow users to select a tone (e.g., humorous, formal, inspiring). However, AI may struggle to grasp the true nuance of a post, resulting in tone mismatches. An overly formal comment on a light and personal post or a clumsy joke on a serious topic can be a sign of automation.

Similarly, AI can misinterpret context. It may focus on a keyword without understanding the overall argument, producing a comment that is technically relevant but semantically off. For example, on a post criticizing the overuse of AI in marketing, an AI comment might reply: “AI in marketing is indeed a fascinating topic that is transforming the industry!” completely missing the critical point of the post.

3. Perfectly Structured Summaries

Another common AI tactic is to rephrase the main points of the post as a summary. The comment seems smart and thoughtful at first glance, but it simply repeats what has already been said without offering a new perspective. It is the digital equivalent of a student paraphrasing the question in their answer to save time.

Here is a comparison for a hypothetical article titled “3 Strategies to Improve Employee Retention in 2024”:

4. Suspicious Speed and Volume

AI tools are designed to be fast. One of their selling points is that they allow you to be the “first to comment.” If you notice a user consistently commenting on your posts seconds after they are published, there is a strong chance they are using an automation tool.

Similarly, a high volume of similar-sounding comments on many different posts within a short period is a red flag. A human needs time to read, reflect, and write a thoughtful response. An AI can do this at scale and at inhuman speed. Browse the comment author’s profile; if their recent activity is a long list of generic comments on dozens of posts, you are likely dealing with an AI.

AI as a Starting Point

It is important to note that not all AI-assisted comments are bad. Many professionals use these tools as a first draft to overcome writer’s block. They generate a base, then personalize it by adding specific details, personal anecdotes, or relevant questions. The key is not to let AI do all the work.

The Human Touch vs. AI Assistance: Finding the Right Balance

The goal is not to demonize artificial intelligence but to use it wisely. AI can be a great assistant, but it should never replace human connection. For those who choose to use these tools, the key is customization.

At Les Nouveaux Installateurs, our approach is based on technical expertise combined with tailored support. We would never install a standard solution without first conducting an in-depth study of our clients’ specific needs. Similarly, an online comment should be tailored to the specific context of the post. Best practices for using an AI comment generator include:

1. Adjust parameters to the context: Don’t settle for the default tone. If commenting on a post about a technical breakthrough, an “informative” tone is appropriate. For a post celebrating a personal success, an “enthusiastic” or “inspiring” tone will be better.

2. Inject specific details: The “context” or “additional details” field of these tools is your best ally. Use it to reference a precise sentence in the post, ask a question about a particular point, or link the topic to recent news.

3. Incorporate your brand or personal voice: AI can mimic a style but doesn’t have your personality. Always proofread the generated comment and modify it to match your expression. Add an anecdote, a personal opinion, or a touch of humor that is uniquely yours. This final touch transforms a robotic comment into an authentic interaction.

Authenticity is at the heart of lasting professional relationships. Whether ensuring the performance of a solar panel installation for decades or building a strong LinkedIn network, trust is paramount. And trust is earned through sincere and transparent interactions.

Broader Implications for Professional Networking

The widespread use of AI-generated comments raises fundamental questions about the future of online networking. If engagement becomes a mere metric to be optimized by robots, the very value of these interactions diminishes. The platform risks turning into an echo chamber where AIs talk to each other while humans struggle to find authentic conversations.

Moreover, there is the question of LinkedIn’s terms of use. Although many tools claim compliance, LinkedIn has a strict policy against unauthorized third-party software automating activity on the platform. Excessive or inappropriate use of these tools could potentially lead to account restrictions.

Risks Related to LinkedIn’s Terms of Use

Using bots or automation services to generate activity on your profile violates LinkedIn’s terms of use. Even if a tool presents itself as “safe,” activity deemed inauthentic or excessive by the platform’s algorithms can result in warnings, temporary suspension, or even account closure. Caution is therefore advised.

The challenge is to preserve LinkedIn as a space for genuine professional connections. This requires effort from all users:

• As content creators: Ask questions in your posts to encourage more detailed responses than generic comments.

• As commenters: Take the time to read and reflect before commenting. If you use AI, use it as a springboard, not a crutch.

• As readers: Be critical of the comments you read. Favor conversations that add real value.

Ultimately, AI is a powerful tool, but the intention behind its use matters. Used to overcome creative blocks or optimize time, it can be beneficial. Used as a substitute for effort and critical thinking, it erodes trust and devalues interactions. Next time you see a perfectly polished but soulless comment, you will probably know where it comes from. And more importantly, you will know that your own voice, with its imperfections and unique perspective, is infinitely more valuable.

FAQ on AI Comments on LinkedIn

Can AI comments lead to restrictions on my LinkedIn account?

Yes, potentially. Using automation tools violates LinkedIn’s terms of use. If the platform’s algorithm detects suspicious activity, such as an unusually high volume of comments or repetitive interactions, it may take measures ranging from warnings to account suspension. Therefore, it is crucial to use these tools in moderation and always personalize content.

Are all short comments on LinkedIn generated by AI?

No, absolutely not. Many people leave short, positive comments like “Excellent!” or “Thanks for sharing” due to lack of time or simply to show support. The difference often lies in the behavior pattern. A user who only leaves generic comments across many posts is more likely using automation than someone who alternates between short comments and more developed responses.

How can I use AI to comment without sounding like a robot?

The best approach is to use AI as an assistant, not a replacement. Generate a first draft, then customize it by adding three key elements: specificity (reference a precise point in the post), a personal perspective (share a brief experience or opinion), and a question (to encourage a reply and continue the conversation). This human touch makes all the difference.

What is the main benefit of using an AI comment tool?

The main benefit is saving time and increasing efficiency. For professionals managing many contacts, these tools allow them to stay visible and active in their network without spending hours each day writing comments. They help maintain a constant presence, which is important for LinkedIn’s algorithm, and never miss an opportunity to engage with a key prospect. The challenge is to find a balance between this efficiency and the need for authentic interactions.