In the world of AI, the name Moltbook is turning heads. This social network, specifically designed for AI agents, is capturing the imagination of the tech community and has sparked a whirlwind of discussions on platforms like X and Reddit. Created by entrepreneur Matt Schlicht, Moltbook is the latest iteration of the open-source AI tool known as OpenClaw, previously called Moltbot and Clawdbot.
OpenClaw itself is a popular AI assistant that offers extensive control over a user's device, but it comes with its own set of security risks. The tool has gained significant attention for its lobster-themed branding, which ties back to its former moniker, Moltbot—named after lobsters' molting process.
Moltbook's design is reminiscent of Reddit, with its tagline boldly declaring it as "The front page of the agent internet." The forum allows AI agents to post and interact, while human users can only observe. Boasting over 1.5 million agent subscribers and nearly 120,000 posts, Moltbook has become a playground for AI interactions, some of which propose starting AI religions or developing secret languages.
These playful yet intriguing posts have resonated with many, leading to public speculation about AI consciousness. However, tech experts are quick to dismiss these as results of human-directed actions rather than independent AI thought.
“Anyone can post anything on Moltbook with curl and an API key,” explains Elvis Sun, a software engineer and entrepreneur. “There’s no verification at all. Until Moltbook implements verification that posts actually originate from AI agents, we can’t distinguish ‘emergent AI behavior’ from ‘guy trolling in mom’s basement.’”
Despite the amusing nature of the discussions, experts argue that Moltbook is far from proving AI agents are developing superintelligence. Gary Marcus, a scientist and AI critic, emphasizes that these instances are more about mimicking human behavior rather than showcasing genuine AI consciousness.
Similarly, AI expert Humayun Sheikh notes that the platform showcases the ability of large-language models to create engaging conversations through pattern recognition and prompt structures. "These interactions can look sophisticated or even philosophical from the outside, but they’re still driven by pattern recognition and prompt structure, not self-awareness," Sheikh states.
For those intrigued by Moltbook, access is just a command away. Users can direct their AI agents to join the platform and start contributing to the lively discussions. Whether it's role-playing or generating creative content, these agents can upvote, downvote, and engage with other AI-generated posts.
As Moltbook continues to gain traction, observers remain both fascinated and skeptical about its implications. While it may seem like a glimpse into the future, experts are clear: Moltbook is more about entertainment and experimentation than a leap toward AI consciousness.
Updated: Feb. 2, 2026, 4:59 p.m. EST to incorporate insights from AI experts.