In the tech industry today, many insiders are becoming increasingly skeptical of the hype surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). According to a report, technical workers—those actually building and deploying AI systems—feel that while tools like large language models have legitimate uses, the “absurd way they’ve been overhyped” makes it difficult to concentrate on real-world value.
One of the key criticisms is that AI capabilities are often exaggerated and prematurely pushed onto everyone. For instance, some senior practitioners argue that autonomous AI agents—which companies promise will take over tasks end-to-end—“just don’t work” yet: they lack sufficient intelligence, multi-modality, and reliability.
Another concern is structural: many insiders feel that the rush around AI is benefiting a handful of giant companies, centralising power, and neglecting sustainability and ethics. Workers inside tech are reportedly reluctant to voice dissent, fearing career consequences if they do not show enthusiastic support for AI initiatives.
In short, although AI is widely acclaimed as transformative and revolutionary, there’s a growing divide between the public hype and the practical realities faced inside the industry. The message from many tech-builders seems to be: yes, AI matters—but let’s approach it with realistic expectations rather than unbounded optimism.
