The Potential Crash of the AI Boom: A Discussion on Names
As we find ourselves in the midst of the 2020s AI (Artificial Intelligence) boom, there’s a growing discussion about the potential for an eventual bust. Several names are being floated as shorthand for this potential collapse, each one reflecting the psychology, economics, and symbolism of this moment in history. Here, we delve into some of these possible names.
Main Candidates
The “Great AI Pop” is a frontrunner. It’s concise, easy to understand, and mirrors historical naming conventions like “The Great Recession.” This name is media-friendly and versatile, allowing for both minor and major corrections.
The “First AI Bust” is another strong contender. This name suggests that AI is here to stay, with the current situation merely representing the first cycle in a long era of AI development. This term may be preferred by economists and historians.
The “AI Money Errors” encapsulates the tumultuous nature of a financial system that acts like a flawed game. This term reflects a setting where demand was inaccurately priced, capital expenditure was inflated, and return on investment failed to match projections.
Names Related to Hardware and Infrastructure
The term “GPUgeddon” could become popular if the crash is tied to a GPU oversupply, devaluation shocks, or cheaper competitors undermining hardware economics. This term has a media-friendly appeal and instant meme value.
“AIgeddon” is a more dramatic term that could be used if the crash extends beyond technology, impacting the broader economy.
The “AI Avalanche” would be an apt description if the collapse happens rapidly, suggesting a domino effect. It fits a scenario where global indices fall within hours of each other, making speed the defining feature of the bust.
Names Associated with Products, Hype, and Failed Promises
As we navigate this AI boom, names linked to products and hype are also being suggested. The “Great Extinction of the Wrappers” could become a leading term if hundreds of thin GPT-based tool companies vanish overnight. It frames the crash as a cleanup of superficial products.
The “First Mass Extinction of Agents” could be used if Enterprise Agent deployments prove to be unreliable, insecure, or unscalable. As companies dismantle their agent teams, this term could become ubiquitous.
Names Tied to Historical Memory
Lastly, the “2nd AI Winter” could become a popular term if a downturn occurs. This name is significant as it depicts the crash as a repeat of an earlier era. It resonates because, this time around, people genuinely believed that AI was unstoppable.
While these names are purely speculative, they provide a glimpse into the different perspectives and potential impacts of an AI bust. Only time will tell which term, if any, will become the defining name for this event in AI history.
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