While I don’t think AI, specifically the generative kind, is a one-to-one with crypto, it has one important similarity: It only succeeds if they can figure out a way to force the entire world to use it. I think there’s a word for that!
Now you know why Microsoft is pushing Copilot down your throat. A very interesting read.
It is not a revolution in computing, but a revolution in accepting lower standards. The only way to consider most of our gadgets “smart” is by dumbing ourselves down.
I agree that crypto needs to have enough reach to succeed. I cannot see any reasoning why AI needs that.
Reading the article I only see him postulating that but not arguing why he comes to that conclusion. Why is AI only profitable if 100 % of the people use it and cannot be if e.g. 30 % use it?
+1
Satya Nadella says Microsoft could lose “social permission” to burn electricity for AI unless it offers something useful.
Then that is an important difference from crypto. Because “use X” is different from “accept that X is being used”.
A majority of the people doesn’t have to travel by plane. But a majority of the people has to accept that plane travel exists.
For crypto many have to use it. For AI only many have to accept that it is being used.
Imagine a species that has been fooling around on a planet for 2 million years. Large parts of it have managed to achieve a comfortable situation with the help of evolution.
No existential threat, lots of boredom.
The sharp knife of mind slowly becomes blunt and suddenly the half-assed tool gains importance…