Explained: Is AI a bubble that could burst at any time? Why is it being cautioned against?

AI has led to a sharp rise in the stock market for tech companies. Market experts fear that if this bubble bursts, it could have a direct and profound impact on global stock markets.

 

Is AI a balloon that can burst at any time? Why are we being cautious about it?

 

AI Bubble Fears: In the rapidly changing world of technology, the advent of AI is causing significant upheaval. While companies are laying off thousands of employees, significant investments are being made in AI. This clearly indicates that work practices are set to change in the future. However, warnings about AI are also constantly emerging—it is being called a 'bubble' that could burst at any moment. Many technology experts have indicated that there is a potential for a bubble to form in AI.

Why is AI being called a 'bubble'?

Recently, Google CEO Sundar Pichai cautioned users against using AI. He advised them not to blindly trust it. He also advised companies investing in AI to be cautious, calling it a bubble that, if burst, would leave no one with a chance to escape.

OpenAI founder Sam Altman and Microsoft founder Bill Gates have issued similar warnings. AI is being compared to the dot-com bubble of 2000, when the rise of the internet was buoyed by immense excitement, investments surged, but the bubble suddenly burst, leaving investors with significant losses. The same over-enthusiasm surrounding AI is evident today, leading to a buzz about the bubble.

Is there any substance to the AI ​​bubble claim?

AI has led to a sharp rise in the stock market for tech companies. Market experts fear that if this bubble bursts, it could have a direct and profound impact on global stock markets. A key question is: three years have passed since AI emerged prominently, so why is this debate now? This discussion has intensified following recent reports from several companies.

The seven largest companies listed on the US stock market—Apple, Microsoft, Google, Metaverse, and Tesla—alone account for approximately 34% of the total market cap. These companies accounted for more than half of the biggest gains last year. Therefore, a decline in these companies will have a direct impact on the overall stock market.

Learning and using AI is important, but investing solely in AI models or AI-powered predictions can be risky. If this AI bubble truly bursts, the potential for significant losses cannot be ruled out.