The Digital Press

The article argues that large language models (LLMs) and AI technologies have largely failed to deliver real value to users, despite widespread adoption driven by corporate mandates and investor interests. It highlights the high social and ecological costs of AI and the way companies enforce AI usage as a cultural requirement, potentially undermining worker autonomy.

Why it matters: AI’s widespread use is sustained more by investment and corporate pressure than by proven benefits to users or workers.

The stakes: AI adoption often comes with environmental harm, copyright violations, workforce exploitation, and even real-world consequences.

The big picture: Mandated AI fluency is becoming a workplace compliance measure, risking deskilling and reducing worker power.

Commenters say: Readers debate AI’s value, with some citing successful enterprise uses, while others emphasize the need for open-source and community-driven AI alternatives.