the problem is aleays some person in marketing who tries to follow trends. For a good laugh, watch Derbauers recent video from computex about AI products and how many "AI" products were at the show.
This is why I prefer it when people specify what kind of "AI" they're talking about rather than just saying "AI" as a buzzword.
I definitely agree with Derbauer here... this is painful.
It may not be a scam per se, but it certainly is a misnomer at this point... it's one of those words (like "enterprise" or "pro") that have been appropriated by marketing and devoided of any meaning. AI as a word will gradually die while people gradually realize it doesn't mean anything. Marketing consumes words (and people too).
AI does mean something, but it’s quite disappointing.
Even mundane algorithms like A* pathfinding are technically under the umbrella of Artificial Intelligence. However the public’s perception of what AI means constantly shifts to be “whatever computers can’t do today”.
While pro has been misused a lot, I feel like it still has it's original meaning at least with people, if not in marketing. That is, that if you're a pro, you're earning money doing the thing.
I used AI to do a quick summary, hope it highlights why people feel negatively about LTT
Over the past year, the YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips (LTT) has faced significant controversy and negative feedback from viewers, primarily centered around workplace issues and allegations of misconduct.
Negative Feedback from Viewers:
Content and Business Practices: There has been criticism regarding the quality and accuracy of LTT’s content. Some viewers and other tech channels, such as Gamers Nexus, have pointed out errors and misleading information in LTT’s videos【1】【2】.
Market Expansion: LTT's attempts to expand into new markets and increase viewer growth have also been scrutinized. Some critics believe these moves have compromised the channel's integrity and focus【3】.
Sexual Harassment Case:
Allegations: There were serious allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, abuse of power, and retaliation within the LTT workplace. These claims painted a picture of a toxic work environment【4】【5】.
Response and Investigation: LTT conducted an investigation through a third-party law firm, which concluded that the allegations were not substantiated. However, the handling of the situation, including the dismissal of the claims, has left some employees and viewers dissatisfied【6】【7】.
Overall, the combination of these issues has led to a turbulent year for Linus Tech Tips, impacting its reputation and viewer trust.
I recently discovered that he believes it's theft if you watch one of his videos with an adblocker.
Just out of spite, sometimes I put one of his videos on in the background (muted) with an adblocker.
It was a little more nuanced than that, but yeah. It was more like "realize the potential consequences of your actions" in regard to ad block and piracy and not "you're a thief stealing from me specifically."
You are totally correct. This is one of the first mainstream publications I've seen really explain to people what "AI" is and what it isn't. Good to see this kind of content.
Great video, he breaks everything down really well...
I might have to start linking to this video rather than trying explain what AI is vs what AI isn't to those who like to make general statements like "AI is a scam!".
Snake oil is a real thing, that actually helps with the some very specific problems. But it has to be made a specific way from a specific snake. We associate the term with scams because of the large number of scammers that advertised fake snake oils, or advertised it being useful for tons if things it wasn't.
My point is, many of the most effective scams rely on something that has a kernel of truth.
@nix@QuadratureSurfer A lot of alt-med and quackery is like that. They latch on to a single term or phrase or thing from actual scientific medicine, use it differently, and make absurd weird claims about what can be done from there.
If I arrange rocks in the desert to represent the math being done for calculating thought, can the rocks experience? No, but I can, and arranging rocks is a shitty experience.