At the recently concluded World Internet Conference, "artificial intelligence" once again took center stage. IBM's senior global president, Luo Simin, emphasized that AI has become a new normal that is reshaping people's lives. Baidu's founder and CEO, Li Yanhong, highlighted how AI technology has profoundly transformed all sectors of human society. Meanwhile, Chen Xiongxiong, vice minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, stated that the development of smart technologies has become a shared goal among nations worldwide.
With growing public enthusiasm, interest in AI has surged rapidly. Tech giants and startups alike are investing heavily in the field, creating an impression that AI is on the verge of ushering in its golden age. The capital market has also shown strong interest, with venture capitalists and major tech companies pouring significant resources into AI research and development. However, despite the excitement, some worry that AI may suffer the same fate as previous overhyped trends, such as virtual reality, which eventually faded due to technical limitations.
The issue of "pseudo-innovation" in AI has sparked serious concerns. A recent article titled “Demystifying 'Pseudo-Innovation'†pointed out the current chaos in the AI industry. It criticized the rise of so-called "smart products" that merely use basic pre-programmed functions but falsely claim to be AI. Some industrial automation systems have rebranded themselves as AI, while even companies in unrelated fields like undergarments now label themselves as AI-driven. According to Li Yi, a researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, up to 90% of smart speakers and robots on the market today are not truly intelligent—just more convenient or better-designed versions of existing technologies.
The article also exposed cases where companies deliberately misled the public and investors by using manual labor or third-party software instead of real AI. These practices not only deceive customers but also risk damaging the long-term development of the AI sector. As the concept of AI becomes increasingly diluted, the market faces the danger of a bubble forming, which could lead to a sharp decline if expectations are not met.
The popularity of AI can largely be traced back to the historic match between AlphaGo and Lee Sedol, which captured global attention. Since then, AI has been portrayed as a revolutionary force capable of transforming every aspect of life. Media coverage amplified this narrative, turning AI into a symbol of limitless potential. However, this hype has led to widespread misuse of the term. Many companies, especially start-ups, now claim to offer AI solutions without actually delivering meaningful innovation.
This phenomenon is similar to "greenwashing," where businesses exaggerate their environmental efforts for commercial gain. In the case of AI, it's often referred to as "AI washing"—where companies attach the AI label to existing technologies to attract investment and consumer interest. This practice creates confusion among buyers and undermines the credibility of genuine AI advancements.
While the AI market is booming, it’s important to remain cautious. According to the Wuzhen Index: Global AI Development Report 2017, the number of AI startups grew significantly from 2012 to 2016, with global funding reaching $22.4 billion. However, despite this growth, AI is still far from being a mature discipline. Tan Tianiu, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, once remarked that AI lacks clear standards and measurable benchmarks, leading to the overuse of the term.
Historically, AI has experienced two major cycles of hype and disillusionment. With each wave, the promises of AI have outpaced its actual capabilities. Today, as AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial for stakeholders to maintain a balanced perspective. Blindly following trends could lead to another AI winter, where inflated expectations result in a rapid backlash. Therefore, it’s essential to approach AI with critical thinking, realistic goals, and a focus on sustainable progress rather than short-term gains.
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