Silicon Valley entrepreneur and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman advocates for widespread AI adoption as a critical tool for future competitiveness. In an interview with Zoë Corbyn for The Observer, Hoffman discusses his new book “Superagency,” which argues that AI will enhance human capabilities rather than diminish them.
“If you don’t use AI you will be under-tooled and won’t be competitive,” Hoffman states, comparing AI adoption to the Industrial Revolution in terms of societal impact. The tech billionaire suggests that within three years, not using AI tools will be like “a professional not having a mobile phone.”
Hoffman himself uses AI extensively for writing, research, and creative work, and recommends writers embrace these tools as “intelligence amplifiers.” While acknowledging job transformation concerns, he believes AI will primarily function as a “co-pilot” rather than replacing humans entirely.
Hoffman also addresses regulatory approaches, favoring iterative regulation that addresses major harms without stifling innovation. As for his own AI ventures, Hoffman has launched Manas AI, focusing on cancer drug discovery, reflecting his broader vision of AI as an enhancement to human potential rather than a threat.