AI Makes Me Sad

You can no longer count on software you use daily to improve, even as AI investment grows.

The author expresses a profound sense of sadness and hopelessness regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Despite acknowledging the potential personal and financial benefits of engaging with AI, such as high-paying jobs at major tech companies, the author feels a loss of craft, control, and creativity. This sentiment is amplified by observing peers who readily embrace AI tools, potentially automating their own roles for financial gain. The author likens this to a scene from Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times," where individuals become ensnared in machinery. The narrative also touches on the perceived decline in authentic creation, the homogenization of online content with AI-generated material, and a critique of "AI startups" that are seen as easily replicable by AI prompts. The author laments the lack of tangible consumer benefit from significant AI investment, noting that software has not improved despite AI integration. The piece concludes with a desire for an industry that "makes sense" and a hopeful anticipation of a future where AI finds a more defined and less overwhelming role.

The author's feelings of hopelessness and sadness surrounding AI's progression suggest a growing disconnect between technological advancement and humanistic values in the tech industry. This perspective highlights a potential crisis of meaning for individuals whose livelihoods and sense of purpose are tied to traditional crafts and creative processes, now threatened by automation. The critique extends to the business models of many AI-centric startups, which appear vulnerable to rapid obsolescence by more advanced AI capabilities.

This internal conflict within the tech community reflects a broader societal anxiety about the future of work and creativity. As AI's capabilities expand, there's an emerging tension between embracing efficiency and preserving human ingenuity and genuine connection. The author's call for an industry that "makes sense" points to a demand for more responsible innovation, where technological progress is aligned with human well-being and a sustainable future for skilled labor.