Is the Mood Turning Against AI? [AI Today Podcast]
Sep 11, 2024
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The hosts dive into the evolving public sentiment towards artificial intelligence, questioning if enthusiasm is waning. They highlight a shift from excitement over generative AI tools like ChatGPT to skepticism from investors. There’s an exploration of how businesses are seeing significant growth from AI, challenging prior doubts. The conversation touches on the importance of government regulations, like the EU-AI Act, and stresses the need for balanced views on AI's potential benefits and challenges in society.
Public sentiment regarding AI is shifting as concerns grow, despite some business leaders remaining optimistic about its potential returns.
The introduction of government regulations signifies a recognition of AI's importance and reflects the need for responsible development amidst rising skepticism.
Deep dives
The Evolving Mood Surrounding AI
The discussion centers on the changing perceptions of artificial intelligence and whether the general mood is shifting against it. Concerns and fears surrounding AI are becoming more prominent in popular media, indicating a potential decline in enthusiasm. Emotional responses to AI challenges, even if irrational, impact public perception and individual experiences across personal and professional contexts. An evolving sentiment reflects a broader inquiry into AI's relevance in today’s world.
Disillusionment and Generative AI
Generative AI has been identified as slipping into a phase called the 'trough of disillusionment,' according to research from Gartner. This shift indicates that the high expectations surrounding AI have peaked and are now being tempered by more realistic assessments of its capabilities. Businesses are increasingly seeking tangible returns on their AI investments, suggesting that the initial excitement may not be leading to the anticipated outcomes. Consequently, organizations are urged to focus on understanding the measurable impacts of AI on their operations.
Contrasting Perspectives on AI Investments
While some reports highlight skepticism regarding AI's return on investment, others signal ongoing confidence among business leaders about generative AI's potential. A KPMG survey revealed that a significant majority of respondents expect that generative AI investments will yield financial returns in the near future. This juxtaposition raises questions about the discrepancies in sentiment between different stakeholders, including investors and executives actively implementing AI. It suggests that while investors may be disillusioned, many executives see actual value and growth stemming from AI initiatives.
Regulatory Impact and Continued Relevance of AI
Government regulations concerning AI, such as California's proposed AI safety bill, reflect an acknowledgement of the technology's importance amid growing concerns. These legislative efforts indicate that AI remains significant enough to warrant formal oversight, which can influence public sentiment about its risks and benefits. The introduction of measures like safety testing and kill switches aims to address potential dangers, suggesting a desire for responsible AI development. Ultimately, the ongoing discourse around AI, including regulatory actions, reinforces its relevance and importance in modern society.
In our very first podcast we asked the question “Why Does AI Matter?”. So we thought it only fitting as we start our eighth season of AI Today to come back to this topic. In this episode of AI Today hosts Kathleen Walch and Ron Schmelzer discuss whether or not the mood is turning against AI.