The AI bubble isn't like the internet bubble
3 hours ago
- #Historical Comparison
- #Workplace Technology
- #AI Adoption
- The early web saw workers eagerly adopting new tools like Lotus Notes, which acted as a compromise between IT control and user flexibility, contrasting with today's AI where bosses force usage on reluctant workers.
- Workers historically smuggled in technologies like Visicalc and web-based tools to enhance productivity, while AI adoption is driven top-down, with companies monitoring and enforcing its use.
- AI differs fundamentally from the early web in unit economics; the web grew more profitable with each user, while AI becomes less profitable, described as having 'dogshit unit economics.'
- Teenagers and young adults, typically early adopters, show aversion to AI, unlike the web era where they were passionate advocates demanding workplace integration.
- Some autonomous workers adopt AI voluntarily to improve quality (as centaurs), but many are coerced into using it as 'reverse-centaurs,' serving machines rather than being aided by them.