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Economist Podcasts

AIOU: what if the AI boom busts?

Aug 13, 2024
Guy Scriven, a global business writer, dives into the staggering $1.4 trillion AI investment and the potential threats that could burst this bubble. Moeka Iida discusses the UNESCO listing of the Sado Island gold mine, shedding light on historical tensions with South Korea. Max Norman examines the rise of Zyn nicotine pouches, particularly their appeal among American conservatives and the impact of 'Zinfluencers' in shaping cultural discussions. Together, they explore technology, history, and evolving consumer behavior.
24:02

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Quick takeaways

  • The surge in corporate investment in AI infrastructure, estimated at $1.4 trillion, raises concerns about the possibility of a market bubble.
  • The increasing energy demands of AI servers could lead to power shortages, revealing a significant challenge for the sustainable growth of AI technology.

Deep dives

AI Investment Surge

Investment in artificial intelligence is experiencing a remarkable surge as private equity and venture capital firms put significant funds into AI infrastructure. Companies like NVIDIA have seen their stock prices soar, making them some of the most valuable entities in the world. This influx of capital is driving a robust supply chain that includes chipmakers and data center providers, all eagerly expanding their capacity to meet the increasing demand for AI technologies. However, there are concerns about sustainability, with predictions that corporate spending on AI infrastructure may reach around $1.4 trillion over the next four years, raising questions about a potential bubble in the market.

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