In a recent LinkedIn post, Hanna Larsson explores the paradoxical relationship between artificial intelligence and human honesty, particularly in the context of customer research and business decision-making. Larsson posits that AI offers a unique avenue for eliciting genuine feedback, a feat often challenged by human performance and self-censorship in traditional interactions.
Larsson highlights a core human tendency that AI can help overcome: the pervasive act of performing in social and professional settings. “Most of us spend our lives performing,” Larsson writes. “We adjust what we say based on who’s listening. We soften opinions. We hide uncertainty. We avoid saying the thing that might be judged.” This constant self-monitoring, according to Larsson, creates a barrier to authentic communication.
The AI Advantage in Eliciting Truth
The central argument presented by Larsson is that the absence of human judgment in AI interactions lowers the pressure on individuals to present a curated version of themselves. This, in turn, encourages greater candor. “With AI, that pressure drops,” Larsson states, citing studies that suggest people are as likely, if not more likely, to share intimate and honest thoughts with AI systems.
“Studies show people are just as likely, or more likely, to share intimate and honest thoughts with AI.”
This insight forms the foundation of Larsson’s commentary on the strategic use of AI in business. She argues that many teams miss the point of AI in customer research, using it in ways that further distance them from genuine customer sentiment rather than leveraging it to understand it better.
Listen Labs: Bridging the Gap with AI
Larsson uses the example of Listen Labs to illustrate how AI can be practically applied to foster deeper customer understanding. She explains that Listen Labs is an “AI-first customer research platform built around one simple idea: every important decision should start with real people, not guesses.” The platform’s AI interviewer is designed to engage in natural, unscripted conversations, mirroring the effectiveness of a skilled human interviewer but at scale.
“AI doesn’t replace humans here. It removes the friction that keeps humans from telling the truth.”
Larsson emphasizes that the goal of such AI tools is not to supplant human connection but to enhance it by removing the barriers to truthfulness. This approach, she suggests, leads to more informed and effective business decisions across various departments, including product development, growth, marketing, UX, strategy, and investing.
The Impact of Listen Labs
The post also details the impressive growth metrics of Listen Labs, noting their rapid revenue increase, substantial Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), the volume of interviews conducted, and their notable enterprise clientele. The recent announcement of their Series B funding, bringing their total funding to $100 million, is presented as a testament to their innovative approach.
“Get real insights in just a few hours.”
Larsson concludes by reiterating the core message: the power of AI lies in its ability to facilitate authentic dialogue at scale, enabling businesses to move beyond assumptions and truly listen to their customers. “That’s how better decisions get made,” Larsson asserts, congratulating the Listen Labs team on their funding success and anticipating their future achievements.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Hanna Larsson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 14, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →