Author installs and removes OpenClaw AI agent after difficult experience
Updated
Updated · New York Magazine · Apr 28
Author installs and removes OpenClaw AI agent after difficult experience
12 articles · Updated · New York Magazine · Apr 28
The author attempted to set up OpenClaw, a beta AI assistant platform used by thousands, but encountered technical hurdles, security warnings, and unreliable performance, ultimately leading to its uninstallation.
Despite hype from tech leaders like Sam Altman and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, the software’s complex setup, frequent errors, and limited usefulness frustrated both casual and power users seeking practical automation.
The experience highlights broader challenges as individuals and businesses rush to adopt AI agents, often without clear use cases, mirroring industry-wide uncertainty about effective AI integration and automation.
Why did OpenAI hire OpenClaw's founder but leave the software as a complex tool for experts?
After Moltbook's failure, can we trust an AI agent with full access to our digital lives?
Do we lack tasks to automate, or is setting up AI the real source of our satisfaction?
Will powerful AI assistants empower individuals or just create another deep digital divide?
Why must we 'self-hack' our computers for the promise of a truly personal AI assistant?
Is the 'next ChatGPT' an AI we build ourselves, or one already hidden inside our favorite apps?