However, the author notes that the narrative of AI as a labor-saving tool is still compelling for many companies, despite the lack of substantial evidence for its effectiveness. The author suggests that once the limits of AI become clear, the facade may begin to fall away, leaving behind a technology that has real potential but has been oversold by its proponents. The author concludes by expressing hope that the hype around AI has not caused too much short-term damage in terms of lost or damaged jobs, corrupted digital infrastructure, and the cheapening of culture.
Key takeaways:
- The article discusses the current state of AI, comparing it to the "smoke and mirrors" of magic lantern shows in the 17th and 18th centuries, where illusionists used technology to convince audiences they could command great powers.
- Despite the hype and promise of AI, many corporations using top AI services report unremarkable gains, and there is growing skepticism and backlash against generative AI.
- However, the narrative of AI as a transformative, world-beating technology continues to drive investment and interest, particularly from companies hoping to reduce labor costs.
- The author argues that this reliance on myth and spectacle is a problem with entrusting technological development to a small group of Silicon Valley executives, and suggests that when the smoke clears, we may be left with AI systems that are useful in some ways, but not nearly enough to justify their costs and harms.