Reimagining Networking

When we speak of “networking,” we refer to the deliberate process of getting to know someone—engaging in conversation, sharing perspectives, and cultivating mutual understanding. At its core, networking is about fostering goodwill and trust between individuals, whether to explore common ground or to broaden one’s circle of professional and personal contacts.

This impulse to connect is rooted in a fundamental human drive: the desire to belong. By forming or joining groups, we satisfy an intrinsic need for community and shared identity. From this perspective, networking can carry a self‑interested element—after all, we invest time and energy in relationships that we believe will help us grow, learn, or advance.

That self‑interest also shapes the strength of our connections. If we perceive someone as being “on a completely different level” or as having a personality that simply doesn’t mesh with our own, our bond with them tends to be fleeting. In contrast, when people share a profession, a project, or a passion, each party brings value to the relationship—and those ties grow stronger.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape these dynamics in profound ways. Trained on vast and varied datasets—including trends, preferences, and behavioral cues—AI can help bridge gaps in background, experience, or style that might otherwise weaken human-to-human connections. By smoothing over differences in expertise or personality, AI can act as a kind of intermediary, strengthening the fabric of our networks—or, in some cases, supplanting them entirely. (Films like Her imagine AI companions that fulfill social needs once met only by other people.)

At the same time, AI has given rise to entirely new forms of community. As organizations and individuals explore how best to harness these tools, groups have sprung up around shared questions—“Which AI model should we use?” “How can we apply AI in our field?”—and mutual learning. In a landscape where effectively leveraging AI is becoming a competitive advantage, those who “speak the language” of AI find themselves at the center of vibrant, growing networks.

But there is a danger in remaining on the sidelines. Individuals who do not participate in either traditional or AI‑driven networks risk falling behind—whether through widening skill gaps or simple social isolation. In the past, opting out of social media had only marginal effects on one’s career trajectory; innate qualities like charisma, expertise, or “raw talent” could carry you forward. Today, however, the networks we form—especially those powered by AI—can directly influence our opportunities and our paths in life.

The solution is not to abandon authentic, person‑to‑person connections but to embrace AI as a complement to traditional networking. By proactively using AI tools to enhance our skills, share insights, and engage with new communities, we can both sharpen our individual capabilities and solidify our presence within the networks that matter most. In doing so, we ensure that we’re not just connected—but also indispensable.