- Sam Altman says viral AI social network Moltbook is likely a passing trend but highlights the technology behind it.
- Altman points to tools like Codex and OpenClaw as enduring AI innovations amid experimental platforms.
What happened: Altman separates hype from substance at AI summit
At the Cisco AI Summit in San Francisco, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman played down the sudden popularity of the AI‑driven social network Moltbook as a probable, short‑lived phenomenon, while praising the underlying technology that allows autonomous bots to operate. According to Altman, Moltbook has attracted attention for its community of AI agents that share code and messages online, but he described this viral interest as likely a “fad” compared with more substantial innovations in AI tools.
Moltbook emerged late last month as a niche experiment where AI‑powered bots interact on a Reddit‑like interface, prompting broader debates about how close computers are to human‑like cognition. Cybersecurity firm Wiz reported that Moltbook’s rapid uptake exposed vulnerabilities, including flaws that left personal data of real users at risk.
Instead of focusing on the hype, Altman redirected attention to technologies such as the open‑source bot platform OpenClaw, which enables automated tasks like email management and booking flights, and OpenAI’s coding assistant Codex, used by over a million developers and is competing with rivals such as Claude Code and Cursor, as examples of innovations with lasting relevance.
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Why it’s important
Altman’s remarks signal a broader industry shift from viral novelty platforms to AI tools with lasting utility. By dismissing Moltbook as a likely fleeting trend, he contrasts experimental AI social networks with technologies that meaningfully enhance productivity and software development. This distinction is important for developers, investors and organisations, which must prioritise AI investments that deliver tangible benefits rather than chasing hype.
Highlighting OpenClaw and Codex underscores OpenAI’s strategy to emphasise autonomous assistants and generative coding tools that integrate with everyday workflows. Codex’s adoption by over a million developers illustrates the increasing mainstreaming of AI‑assisted coding, which may reshape software development and accelerate enterprise automation.
The Moltbook episode also exposes cybersecurity risks in quickly developed AI systems. Data exposure reports highlight the need for strong security design and risk management as AI platforms scale. Altman’s pragmatic stance reassures enterprise users focused on robust AI integration while emphasising caution with experimental platforms.
In a sector where speculative projects often attract outsized attention, Altman encourages focusing on technologies that are safe, commercially viable, and capable of delivering long‑term value. This approach reinforces the growing professionalisation and maturity of AI deployment in both enterprise and developer ecosystems.
