Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn and co-founder of Inflection AI, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is not something to be feared but embraced with curiosity. In his latest book, Superagency, Hoffman makes the case for AI as a tool to expand human agency rather than diminish it.
“What I’m trying to do is help people understand why they should be AI curious,” Hoffman explained during a recent interview. “Why it is that AI will actually, as opposed to the worries about decreasing their agency — whether it’s privacy of data, jobs, or other things — it will actually increase their agency and why they should get involved.” He argues that much of the current discourse around AI is dominated by skepticism and fear, and his goal is to shift the conversation toward opportunity and empowerment.
Hoffman views AI as an “informational GPS” that can assist individuals in navigating complex decisions, from health concerns to career planning. He sees a future where AI acts as a 24/7 medical assistant, a personalized tutor, or even a consultant for life’s more nuanced challenges.
“You have a child, a sibling, a parent, or a pet — AI can help you with that,” he noted. “It can help you with anything from mundane tasks like, ‘I’ve got these ingredients, what should I make for dinner?’ to more complex ones, like preparing for a difficult conversation with a family member.”
Despite the optimism, Hoffman acknowledges that AI carries risks, particularly when used by bad actors. However, he insists that the solution is not to slow down AI development but rather to ensure AI is part of the defense. He warns that AI-generated scams, such as phishing messages or impersonation, will become more sophisticated. To counteract this, he suggests that AI itself can be leveraged to detect and prevent fraud.
“You can imagine an AI that interrupts a scam call and says, ‘Hey, this is a little odd, why don’t you ask some questions that only you and your sister would know?’” he explained.
When it comes to AI’s role in social media and information transparency, Hoffman advocates for third-party audits of algorithms to ensure accountability. He stresses that companies should disclose how their AI systems operate, allowing users to make informed decisions about which platforms to engage with.
Ultimately, Hoffman wants people to approach AI not with hesitation but with an eagerness to learn and adapt. He believes that Superagency can serve as a guide to help readers cultivate an “AI mindset,” enabling them to harness the technology for personal and professional growth.
“Part of what Superagency is trying to do is show you how to take that sense of agency, how to start — not a ‘how-to’ book, but a mindset for how to approach it,” he explained.
Hoffman’s message is clear: AI is here to stay, and those who engage with it proactively will be best positioned to thrive. His book is not just a call to action but an invitation to curiosity, urging readers to explore the possibilities AI has to offer.
Featured image: Credit: 221017-D-BN624–0280, Author U.S. Secretary of Defense, Wikipedia
