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, reshaping daily life. Baidu's founder and CEO, Li Yanhong, highlighted how AI is transforming every industry across society. Meanwhile, Chen Xiongxiong, vice minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, pointed out that the development of smart technologies is now a shared goal among nations worldwide.
As public enthusiasm for AI continues to grow, the field has attracted significant attention from both tech giants and startups. Many companies are investing heavily, eager to be at the forefront of what they believe will be AI’s golden era. However, despite the excitement, some question whether this momentum is sustainable or if it’s just another hype cycle.
The capital market has also been buzzing with interest in AI. Venture capitalists are pouring money into the sector, and major tech firms are making big bets on its future. Yet, AI still feels like a distant dream, much like virtual reality did before it. VR once captured the imagination, but it eventually faced challenges like user discomfort, leading to a rapid decline. Could AI face a similar fate?
A recent article titled “Demystifying ‘Pseudo-Innovation’ in AI†exposed the growing concerns about misleading claims in the industry. The piece criticized the proliferation of so-called "smart products" that barely qualify as AI. Some devices use simple pre-programmed functions, while others rebrand existing technology as "AI." Even companies in unrelated industries, like those selling undergarments, have started claiming to offer AI solutions.
According to Li Yi, a researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, up to 90% of current smart speakers and robots are not truly intelligent. He noted that while these products may be more convenient or better designed, they are far from genuine AI. In some cases, companies even use human labor or third-party software to mimic AI capabilities, deceiving customers and investors alike.
This kind of "pseudo-innovation" raises serious concerns. As the market becomes flooded with exaggerated claims, the risk of a bubble grows. When the hype fades, the consequences could be severe for the long-term development of AI.
The term "AI washing" has emerged to describe this phenomenon—similar to "greenwashing," where companies overstate their environmental efforts. In the AI space, businesses stretch the definition of artificial intelligence to attract investment and gain a competitive edge. Many startups, or even companies from non-AI sectors, claim to offer cutting-edge AI solutions, but often fail to deliver real innovation.
Despite the rapid growth, it's important to remember that AI is still an evolving field. While it has made impressive strides, especially after breakthroughs like AlphaGo defeating Lee Sedol in Go, the technology is far from mature. Experts warn that the lack of clear standards and definitions has led to confusion and misuse of the term.
Historically, AI has experienced cycles of hype and disillusionment. Since its inception in the 1960s, it has gone through periods of intense interest followed by periods of neglect. Today, we're seeing another surge, fueled by media coverage and public fascination. But as with past trends, there's a risk of overestimating the current state of AI.
Experts like Tan Tieniu, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasize that AI is still in its early stages. There's no universal standard for intelligence, and the field remains highly specialized. This ambiguity allows for misuse of the term, creating a misleading perception of progress.
To avoid falling into the trap of blind optimism, people must maintain a balanced view. While AI holds great promise, it's crucial to approach it with realistic expectations. If the current frenzy leads to overinvestment without real innovation, the AI boom could quickly turn into a cold wave.
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