Recent developments highlight both the potential and the challenges of AI across various sectors. Nicholas Carr discussed the impact of technology on relationships, noting that constant online communication can overwhelm individuals and blur social boundaries, potentially reducing empathy. In contrast, an EMARKETER podcast explored Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), defining it as AI with human-like intelligence capable of handling diverse tasks. Students are already leveraging tools like ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, and Gemini for schoolwork, from research to writing papers, raising questions about learning and critical thinking. However, a MIT study suggests that using AI for writing may reduce brain activity, though experts caution it's too early to understand the long-term effects. Meanwhile, a Gartner report predicts over 40% of agentic AI projects will be canceled by 2027 due to high costs and unclear business value, with many CEOs seeing little benefit from their AI investments. Despite these concerns, companies like Schroders Capital are integrating AI into their investment teams to enhance data analysis and decision-making, while maintaining that jobs are not at risk. Original Source saw a 4.5% sales increase after launching an AI-generated TV ad, demonstrating AI's marketing potential. Penske Truck Leasing is using AI to predict truck maintenance needs, saving customers money by preventing breakdowns. In the Netherlands, over half the population now uses AI, a 12% increase from last year, though many worry about potential job losses. The maritime sector faces increasing AI-driven cyber threats, requiring proactive cybersecurity measures. Finally, the use of AI also raises copyright issues, as highlighted by Eminem's publishing company's lawsuit against Meta, questioning whether current laws adequately protect artists' rights against AI companies. Conifers.ai was recognized in the Gartner Hype Cycle for AI SOC Agents for its CognitiveSOC platform, which helps security teams resolve complex threats.
Key Takeaways
- Nicholas Carr argues that constant online communication can overwhelm individuals and blur social boundaries, potentially reducing empathy.
- AGI is defined as AI with human-like intelligence capable of handling diverse tasks, unlike narrow AI.
- Students are using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, and Gemini for various school tasks, raising questions about its impact on learning.
- A MIT study suggests that using AI for writing may reduce brain activity, but more research is needed to understand long-term effects.
- Gartner predicts over 40% of agentic AI projects will be canceled by 2027 due to high costs and unclear business value.
- Schroders Capital is integrating AI into its investment teams to enhance data analysis and decision-making, while maintaining that jobs are not at risk.
- Original Source saw a 4.5% sales increase after launching an AI-generated TV ad, demonstrating AI's marketing potential.
- Penske Truck Leasing uses AI to predict truck maintenance needs, helping customers save money by preventing breakdowns.
- Over half the population in the Netherlands uses AI, a 12% increase from last year, though many worry about potential job losses.
- Eminem's publishing company has a copyright lawsuit against Meta, questioning whether current laws adequately protect artists' rights against AI companies.
Nicholas Carr discusses AI, social media, and their impact on relationships
Author Nicholas Carr spoke about how technology affects our relationships and understanding of the world. He argues that constant online communication overwhelms us and blurs the lines between different social groups. Carr notes that online life can reduce empathy and increase antisocial behavior. He suggests balancing online interactions with real-world experiences to maintain empathy and thoughtful reflection.
Artificial General Intelligence AGI What makes AI smarter than humans
This EMARKETER podcast discusses artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its definitions. AGI refers to AI models with intelligence and skills similar to humans. Unlike narrow AI, AGI can handle various tasks and solve different problems. Experts Jacob Bourne and Gadjo Sevilla share their views on AGI's capabilities and future.
How students are using AI to write college papers
Students are using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek and Gemini to help with schoolwork. One student, Alex, uses AI for research, reasoning, image generation, and even texting. He showed how he used Claude to summarize readings and write an art history paper, receiving a good grade with minimal effort. While some worry about cheating, others are concerned about the impact on learning and critical thinking.
Research shows AI causing more problems than solutions in business
A Gartner report predicts over 40% of agentic AI projects will be canceled by 2027 due to high costs and unclear business value. Many vendors are simply relabeling existing AI assistants without adding real autonomous features. A study by SS&C Blue Prism found that 55% of CEOs using AI see little benefit. The Economist describes AI valuations as overhyped, resembling the dotcom boom. Financial Times reports AI revenue is not justifying the huge capital spending.
Schroders adds AI to investment team but says jobs are safe
Schroders Capital is adding AI to its private markets investment committee. They are introducing an 'investment committee agent' developed by their data science team. This tool will work with the existing Generative AI Investment Analyst (GAiiA) to screen data and create investment summaries. Schroders Capital says that AI will not make final investment decisions and jobs are not at risk.
Schroders Capital uses AI agent to boost investment decisions
Schroders Capital is using a new AI tool called an 'investment committee agent' to improve investment decisions. This AI works with their existing GAiiA system to analyze data and provide feedback on investments. Human experts will still review the AI's work and make all final decisions. The goal is to make more accurate and detailed analyses of potential investments.
AI appreciation how AI helps with daily life
The author shares three reasons to appreciate AI in daily life. AI helps remember tasks, suggests shopping items, and organizes meal plans. It also helps with entertainment by suggesting shows and movies. While acknowledging concerns about AI, the author appreciates how it makes life more manageable.
Study questions if AI is causing brain rot
A recent MIT study, 'Your Brain on ChatGPT,' explores how AI affects human thinking. The study found that using AI for writing may reduce brain activity. However, the study is a preprint and has faced criticism. Experts say it's too early to know the long-term effects of AI on learning and thinking. The world is conducting an uncontrolled experiment on how AI impacts the human brain.
AI-generated TV ad boosts Original Source sales
Original Source created a TV ad using AI, which increased the brand's sales by 4.5%. The ad, featuring 70% AI-generated content, helped the brand reach its highest market share in four years. It also made more consumers see Original Source as different from other shower gels. The company used AI to appeal to younger audiences and create a fun, energetic ad.
Eminem, AI, and copyright laws in the digital age
The author discusses copyright law in the age of AI, noting the difficulty of quoting song lyrics in their book. They contrast this with AI's ability to use entire song catalogs for generating content. The author questions whether current copyright laws fairly protect artists' rights against AI companies. Eminem's publishing company has a copyright lawsuit against Meta.
Conifers.ai recognized in Gartner Hype Cycle for AI SOC Agents
Conifers.ai, an AI SOC platform, has been named in the Gartner Hype Cycle for Security Operations, 2025, in the AI SOC Agents category. Their CognitiveSOC platform helps security teams quickly resolve complex threats. The platform uses agentic AI technology to work with existing tools and improve SOC effectiveness. Gartner notes that AI SOC agents can help reduce the time and skills needed for security tasks.
Penske uses AI to improve truck maintenance and save money
Penske Truck Leasing uses AI to predict truck maintenance needs, helping customers save money. Their system, Fleet Insight, uses telematics devices to collect data on truck performance. AI analyzes this data to identify potential problems before they become serious. This helps keep trucks on the road and reduces maintenance costs for Penske's leasing customers like Darigold and Honeyville.
AI is used by over half of people in the Netherlands
A study by ING shows that over half of the people in the Netherlands use AI. This is a 12% increase from last year. While AI use is growing, 41% of people worry that AI will cause job losses. However, most people believe AI will change the nature of their jobs rather than eliminate them entirely.
Cybersecurity at sea AI-driven threats to maritime industry
The maritime sector is vital to the global economy but faces growing cyber threats. AI is making cyber intrusions faster and more efficient. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warns of increasing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure like ports and vessels. Maritime organizations need to invest in proactive cybersecurity measures and advanced encryption to protect sensitive data and ensure operational resilience.
Sources
- Nicholas Carr on AI Doctors and Internet Edgelords
- EMARKETER Podcast: Artificial General Intelligence Explained: When Will AI Be Smarter Than Us?
- What Happens After A.I. Destroys College Writing?
- A raft of in-depth research finds Artificial Intelligence causing far more problems than it solves. Why?
- Schroders adds AI to private markets investment committee but says jobs are safe
- Schroders Capital Expands AI Tools with Virtual Investment Committee Agent
- 3 reasons why I appreciate AI and maybe you should too
- AI brain rot's evidence gap
- Original Source’s AI generated TV ad boosts sales and sentiment
- Eminem, AI and me: why artists need new laws in the digital age
- Conifers.ai Named in AI SOC Agents Category in the Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Security Operations, 2025
- Penske uses AI technology to enhance truck maintenance and cost savings
- Over half of the Netherlands uses AI; Job security fears on the rise
- Cybersecurity at sea: safeguarding in an era of AI-driven threats