Krugman: Why Does Everyone Hate AI?

Why Does Everyone Hate AI?

Paul Krugman uses Pew data to push back on the 'public always fears new tech' narrative. In 1999 most Americans welcomed the internet; in 2015, 71% said tech companies had a positive impact. By 2026, Pew finds Americans broadly believe AI will harm society. Krugman points to three causes: AI CEOs themselves hyped job-killing scenarios to raise money, and the backlash is now hitting; workers and consumers feel AI is forced on them—Google Search no longer lets you opt out; and data centers are a highly visible, land-and-power-hungry cost. The piece offers no fixes; it's a diagnosis of public sentiment.

Why it matters: Krugman delivers a framed diagnosis of public sentiment with Pew data, not vague hand-waving. Three attributions (CEO job-kill hype backfiring, product enshittification, datacenter physical encroachment) are concrete. Downside: it's commentary, not original reporting, and Krug...