When I first asked this question back in June, my thoughts were simple: is AI just another over-sold resource, or will it genuinely benefit people in their everyday lives? Since then, the debate has only grown louder. Some argue AI is nothing more than the latest tech fad pushed by big companies, while others insist it’s the biggest shift since the internet.

So, is it hype—or not? Let’s take a closer look.

The Case for Hype

Recent studies show that much of the enthusiasm around AI is running ahead of reality. A MIT study found that a staggering 95% of generative AI projects are failing to deliver meaningful results. Businesses have rushed in, but most are struggling to integrate AI into their workflows effectively. For many, the promises have outweighed the actual benefits.

Even some industry leaders are sounding cautious. Amazon’s cloud boss compared the current excitement to the dot-com bubble, warning that expectations are unrealistic in the short term. And younger generations are picking up on this gap too—62% of Gen Z workers say they believe AI is overhyped, more marketing spin than substance.

The Case for Real Value

That’s not the whole story though. There’s a growing argument that AI is already delivering benefits—just not always in the flashy, headline-grabbing ways people expect.

For instance, Josh Bersin, a respected industry analyst, argues that fears about AI destroying jobs are vastly overstated. Instead, he sees AI as a tool that boosts creativity and innovation, freeing people to focus on higher-value work.

And it’s worth remembering: AI is already quietly embedded in our daily lives. From GPS navigation and spam filters to translation tools and voice assistants, most of us use AI without even realising it. These applications don’t make the news, but they do make life easier.

Experts vs. the Public

One of the most interesting shifts is the gap between experts and the general public. According to a Pew Research Center study, only 24% of U.S. adults believe AI will personally benefit them. Compare that with 76% of AI experts, who expect positive outcomes in the next 20 years.

That’s a huge difference in perception. Experts are focused on what’s possible, while the public often hears only the hype, fears, or failures. The truth likely lies in between—AI will continue to evolve, but it won’t transform everything overnight.

So… Hype or Not?

Perhaps the better question isn’t whether AI is hype or not, but where is the hype, and where is the value?

• The hype is in the bold promises, the “get rich quick” business pitches, and the idea that AI will replace humans wholesale.
• The value is in the smaller, everyday improvements and the steady gains in productivity, efficiency, and creativity.

Like any technology shift, separating the snake oil from the substance is the real challenge.

AI is here to stay. Some of the promises are inflated, yes. But beneath the noise, there are real, tangible benefits that will continue to grow as the technology matures. The key for all of us is not to get swept away by the hype—but to stay open to the opportunities AI can genuinely bring into our lives and work.