Why is AI so popular when nobody wants it?

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Is AI actually “unwanted”? Usage vs sentiment

  • Many commenters argue the premise is false: ChatGPT and other bots have massive usage (hundreds of millions of active users claimed, top app-store rankings, huge web traffic).
  • Others counter that high usage ≠ genuine enthusiasm: people may use it as a free toy or tool while still being uneasy about broader AI deployment.
  • Cited survey data (e.g., Pew) suggests the general public is more concerned than excited, especially women, and often skeptical AI will benefit them.

Consumer enthusiasm vs frustration

  • People report frequent everyday use: homework, recipes, translations, explanation, writing help, interior design mockups, meeting summaries.
  • Several note non-technical friends, students, and even kids using ChatGPT more than tech workers.
  • At the same time, many dislike “AI everywhere” features: AI search summaries, reduced physical controls (e.g., remotes pushed toward voice), auto‑generated slop in feeds, and intrusive chatbots in customer service.
  • Distinction is made between “I want to choose to use a chatbot” vs “AI injected into everything I already use.”

Enterprise demand, labor, and “good enough”

  • Strong B2B demand is reported: companies are pouring money into projects hoping to automate or cheapen knowledge work.
  • Skeptics say many of these efforts are expensive and low‑value, and job replacement is overhyped in the near term.
  • A recurring theme: in business, “80% good enough” often beats “perfect” if it’s cheaper—similar to offshoring; AI is the new low‑cost labor tier.

Hype, bubbles, and investment dynamics

  • Some see AI as the new “data science”/blockchain label slapped on products to attract funding.
  • Others argue AI demand is real but currently subsidized: providers are burning cash in a growth/market‑capture phase; real pricing would slash usage.
  • Comparisons to dot‑com and crypto: is this organic demand or investors trying to will the next revolution into existence? Opinions diverge sharply.

Trust, quality, and integration concerns

  • Complaints include hallucinations, bad legal/contract drafts, tone‑deaf emails, and unreliable factual answers.
  • People often enjoy AI for low‑stakes or creative tasks but are wary of it mediating search, support, or critical decisions.