Why Everybody Hates AI Suddenly

Let’s face it—something’s shifting.

AI was once the darling of the tech world, but lately, the tone online is changing. Writers feel replaced, developers feel undercut, and even average users are starting to side-eye anything with “GPT” in its name. So what’s going on?

In this week’s edition, we unpack the growing anti-AI sentiment, where it’s coming from, and what savvy marketers should do about it.

📣 This Week’s Marketing Reality Check

🔥People are mad—and they’re loud.

From spicy Twitter replies to news headlines warning of “white-collar bloodbaths,” the AI backlash is heating up. Dan and Travis break it down:

• The Developer Backlash: Once considered a safe bet, dev jobs are now being hit hard. With OpenAI tools like Codex and Microsoft boasting that 30% of their code is AI-generated, even junior dev roles are on the chopping block.

• The Unexpected Pushback: Dan’s personal experiences with using AI for music and home design triggered a surprisingly hostile response, from accusations of “fake art” to environmental guilt-tripping.

• Environmental Concerns: Turns out, AI’s impact on the energy grid is a real conversation. Training large models is water- and power-intensive, raising legitimate concerns about environmental impact.

• The Real Threat? Fear. The backlash isn’t just about jobs. It’s about speed. AI is moving so fast that people can't upskill in time. That gap is what’s fueling the growing anxiety.

💡 Takeaway for Marketers: Stay human-first, but AI-driven. Use these tensions as fuel to lead with empathy. When others are panicking, marketers who understand both sides will win.

📊 Poll Results Breakdown

Dan asked his audience: "Are you seeing a growing hatred for AI, or is it just me?"

Here’s what came back:

What it means: While full-blown hatred isn’t mainstream (yet), there’s clear evidence of a vibe shift. As marketers, that’s your cue to tread with nuance—be the optimist, but not the evangelist.

😂 AI Meme of the Week

👋 Final Thought

The backlash is real, but so is the opportunity. As AI disrupts jobs, rewrites creativity, and stresses power grids, we’ve got two options: react or lead.

Be the marketer who learns the tools, masters the ethics, and helps others adapt—gracefully. And remember: growth mindset beats fear every time.