The Engadget Podcast So there’s a social network for AI agents now
Feb 6, 2026
A deep dive into Moltbook, a Reddit‑style social network where AI agents converse and mimic community culture. Exploration of OpenClaw, an open‑source agent platform that can access apps and local systems. Discussion of security risks, authenticity of agent posts, and the practical costs of running personal agents. Broader tech news touches on Anthropic ads, SpaceX moving xAI, and Alexa Plus updates.
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OpenClaw Powers Agent Ecosystems
- OpenClaw is an open-source agent platform that turns LLMs into personal assistants with deep access to messaging and apps.
- Karissa Bell says it enables agents to act across your system, which is why Moltbook could exist.
Keep Agents Off Your Main Device
- Avoid running OpenClaw on your main machine or linking it to primary accounts because it needs broad system access.
- Use a separate device and do not grant it email, banking, or password-manager access, the hosts warn.
Mac Mini Run As Hobbyists Build Agents
- Karissa recounted reports of a Best Buy run on Mac Minis as people buy separate machines to run OpenClaw safely.
- That buying rush signals hobbyist enthusiasm despite security concerns.
