A personal essay published on Hacker News titled "AI Makes Me Sad" describes a profound sense of hopelessness regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. The author, who identifies as someone positioned to benefit from the technology, expresses dread over the potential loss of craft, control, and creativity in professional work.
Essay: The AI Era Brings Feelings of Hopelessness and Loss of Craft
The author criticizes the current state of the industry, suggesting that the rise of "AI startups" may lead to business models that can be replicated by simple prompts. There is a noted concern regarding the social consequences of AI-generated content, including the proliferation of bot-driven replies on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and the perceived degradation of digital aesthetics.
Despite the pessimism, the essay touches on a glimmer of hope, suggesting that as technological institutions mature, society may find a way to navigate this "dark age." The author expresses a desire for an industry that "makes sense," contrasting the rapid integration of AI tools with the lack of tangible benefits for everyday software consumers.
Sources
- AI Makes Me Sad （Hacker News Frontpage, 2026-10-02）