Avoiding the Dot-AI Bubble

The Ghosts of Disruption Past

As artificial intelligence accelerates into the mainstream, industry veterans are recalling the dot-com boom—and subsequent bust—as a cautionary tale. In the late 1990s, rapid investment, eager speculation, and inflated expectations around internet technology led to a massive market collapse, burning investors and tarnishing trust in the tech sector. Today, some of those same red flags are waving around AI: companies pivoting to AI in name only to capture investor attention, valuations skyrocketing with little substance, and a general sense that the technology can solve every problem. Experts argue that the excitement surrounding AI must be grounded in reality, with clear-eyed investors and builders prioritizing long-term viability over flashy narratives.

Building AI on Solid Ground

Instead of repeating history, stakeholders now have a rare opportunity to build an AI-driven future on more responsible and realistic terms. This means focusing not just on innovation but also on infrastructure, governance, and equity. Thoughtful regulation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and truthful user education are essential to avoiding past mistakes. Winning in the AI era will require more than just buzzwords; it will demand transparency, robust data practices, and trustworthy use cases. As AI tools grow more powerful, they must be wielded wisely—this time, with lessons learned firmly in hand.