Premium: Notes From The Bubble, Volume 1

2026-06-26 · Source: Ed Zitron's Where's Your Ed At · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

Ed Zitron's "Notes From The Bubble, Volume 1," published June 26, 2026, critiques the contemporary tech industry, portraying it as a landscape of desperate, cobbled-together ideas driven by a fear that AI isn't the next major growth engine. Zitron argues that many recent initiatives are symptoms of this underlying anxiety, serving to generate hype or distract from a lack of genuine innovation. Specific examples include Meta's development of a Polymarket competitor, Snap's release of its third generation of AR glasses, Microsoft's fluctuating support for AI partners and open-source LLMs, and Google's \$75 million investment in A24 for a nebulous "AI partnership." The author suggests these actions stem from executives disconnected from practical realities, prioritizing shareholder value over substantive progress.

Key takeaway

For VPs of Engineering or Data evaluating new "AI partnerships" or "hypergrowth" initiatives, recognize that many current tech ventures may be driven by hype rather than substantive innovation. Critically assess underlying value propositions and avoid projects that appear to be desperate attempts to create new hype cycles. Prioritize genuine problem-solving over initiatives designed primarily for shareholder optics, ensuring your investments yield tangible, long-term impact.

Key insights

The tech industry's current "hypergrowth" efforts are desperate, disconnected attempts to avoid the truth that AI isn't the next big thing.

Principles

• Hype cycles mask lack of innovation.
• Executive detachment fuels cargo cultism.
• Monopolies stifle genuine talent.

Topics

• Tech Industry Analysis
• AI Hype Cycle
• Corporate Strategy
• Executive Leadership
• Monopoly Power
• Innovation Stagnation

Best for: Director of AI/ML, VP of Engineering/Data, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Ed Zitron's Where's Your Ed At.