The AI backlash is only getting started

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https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/06/25/the-ai-backlash-is-only-getting-started

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This is not the article I was expecting, although it’s from the economist so I don’t know why I was surprised. This is a primer on how to resist the backlash against AI, including glibly dismissing concerns about environmental impact and costs.

There is a fundamental belief in the inevitability of the continued progress of AI among ‘the faithful’ that I find troubling. Looking at the deeply concerning economics of the AI market at present, the operating costs and supply shocks that will only drive those costs up, the bullishness around this is infuriating.

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It does feel like a cult doesn’t it? Like the church of the steel God or something. Silicon valley practically performing summoning rituals on their PC’s to try and create sentience ASAP

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There is absolutely no benefit for me in American ai dominance. Higher electric and poverty will my only reward from rich fucks success.

I would rather buy AI from Chinese companies than have it be built in my state, multiple benefits from letting China win this one.

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Your 2nd paragraph! I don’t think you’ve thought it through.

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Nono. I did.
A. This means that my electric prices won’t be impacted.
B. This also means openai/anthropic don’t have power over me and a lot less aggressive in pushing antihuman agenda.
C. This means my CEO and legal team has to think 4 times before replacing me with ai.

Pure benefits

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Yes but one of the most authoritarian and anti human rights states holding god knows what powers over just about everyone. Not really any better is it?

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China is a lesser threat to me than domestics. China can’t reach me, domestics can and do.

Yes it’s 100% better to deny local ai the global dominance if we can. If they don’t have our back, we owe nothing to them.

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We’re right to push back

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This isn’t even my final form…

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Comments in Hacker News@lemmy.bestiver.se

The article recommends gaslighting the public to sidestep opposition to the AI rollout, while embedding AI into education, healthcare, and routine governance.

Wonderful

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People are less likely to oppose a technology if it is behind their grandmother’s cancer treatment or helping their child’s education. And they are more likely to trust that the state can oversee it if they believe that government works.

Voters are right to take a close interest in how AI could change their lives. The future will be messy, odd and unpredictable. Persuading them that their interests are being served by disruption has become as important as making AI models better. Failure will bring out more pitchforks—and destroy vast opportunities for humanity.

Also, surveilence not mentioned once

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