News
November 04, 2025
Technologists to AI cheerleaders: Stop being so creepy
These days, AI is definitely near the peak of the hype cycle, when pronouncements about a new technology reach their most fevered pitch. But even given that reality, CEOs of AI companies and other assorted AI boosters have been saying a lot of creepy and extreme stuff lately. Read full story
**Technologists to AI Cheerleaders: Stop Being So Creepy**
The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is upon us, or so we're constantly told. While the potential benefits of AI are undeniable, a growing chorus of technologists are urging AI enthusiasts, particularly those at the helm of AI companies, to dial back the hype and, frankly, stop being so "creepy" in their pronouncements.
We’re currently witnessing AI's surge to the peak of the hype cycle, that point where expectations surrounding a new technology reach a fever pitch, often detached from reality. But even within this context of inflated promises, the rhetoric emanating from some corners of the AI world has become increasingly unsettling.
The concern isn't necessarily about the technology itself, but rather the way it's being presented and the potential implications glossed over. There's a growing unease about the seemingly utopian, and sometimes dystopian, visions being painted by CEOs and other prominent figures in the AI industry. Some worry that the relentless push to portray AI as a near-omnipotent force is creating unrealistic expectations and fostering an environment where legitimate concerns about ethics, bias, and job displacement are being ignored.
"It's one thing to be excited about the potential of AI," says one anonymous software engineer. "It's another thing entirely to talk about it like it's going to solve all of humanity's problems or, even worse, replace humans altogether. That kind of language is not only inaccurate, but it's also deeply unsettling."
The "creepiness" factor often stems from pronouncements that suggest AI will soon surpass human intelligence, solve complex social problems with ease, and fundamentally alter the human experience in ways that are often vaguely defined and potentially dehumanizing. Critics argue that this kind of messaging can be seen as manipulative, designed to attract investment and public support without fully acknowledging the potential downsides and risks associated with rapid AI development.
The call for a more measured and responsible approach to discussing AI is gaining momentum. Many in the tech community believe that a more realistic and transparent dialogue is crucial to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that benefits everyone, rather than just a select few. It's a plea for sanity amidst the hype, urging AI proponents to focus on practical applications and ethical considerations, rather than indulging in fantastical and often unsettling predictions.
The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is upon us, or so we're constantly told. While the potential benefits of AI are undeniable, a growing chorus of technologists are urging AI enthusiasts, particularly those at the helm of AI companies, to dial back the hype and, frankly, stop being so "creepy" in their pronouncements.
We’re currently witnessing AI's surge to the peak of the hype cycle, that point where expectations surrounding a new technology reach a fever pitch, often detached from reality. But even within this context of inflated promises, the rhetoric emanating from some corners of the AI world has become increasingly unsettling.
The concern isn't necessarily about the technology itself, but rather the way it's being presented and the potential implications glossed over. There's a growing unease about the seemingly utopian, and sometimes dystopian, visions being painted by CEOs and other prominent figures in the AI industry. Some worry that the relentless push to portray AI as a near-omnipotent force is creating unrealistic expectations and fostering an environment where legitimate concerns about ethics, bias, and job displacement are being ignored.
"It's one thing to be excited about the potential of AI," says one anonymous software engineer. "It's another thing entirely to talk about it like it's going to solve all of humanity's problems or, even worse, replace humans altogether. That kind of language is not only inaccurate, but it's also deeply unsettling."
The "creepiness" factor often stems from pronouncements that suggest AI will soon surpass human intelligence, solve complex social problems with ease, and fundamentally alter the human experience in ways that are often vaguely defined and potentially dehumanizing. Critics argue that this kind of messaging can be seen as manipulative, designed to attract investment and public support without fully acknowledging the potential downsides and risks associated with rapid AI development.
The call for a more measured and responsible approach to discussing AI is gaining momentum. Many in the tech community believe that a more realistic and transparent dialogue is crucial to ensure that AI is developed and deployed in a way that benefits everyone, rather than just a select few. It's a plea for sanity amidst the hype, urging AI proponents to focus on practical applications and ethical considerations, rather than indulging in fantastical and often unsettling predictions.
Category:
Technology