Opinion | The Panic Industry’s New Target

2026-05-20 · Source: Technology - WSJ.com · Field: Media & Entertainment — Publishing & Journalism, Content Creation & Production · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The "panic industry," characterized by groups funded by progressive billionaires, is shifting its focus from climate change to artificial intelligence and data centers as new targets for fear-mongering. This trend was highlighted when former Google CEO Eric Schmidt addressed University of Arizona graduates, who expressed anxieties about AI, job displacement, and climate breakdown. The author notes the irony that Schmidt's own Schmidt Family Foundation's 11th Hour Project has granted hundreds of millions of dollars over the last 20 years to climate-panic groups, including funding screenings of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" in 2006. The article suggests these organizations profit by creating "nonexistent monsters" and promoting "bleak prophecies" to generate public fear.

Key takeaway

For tech journalists and public commentators analyzing societal anxieties, recognize that current fears surrounding AI and data centers may be influenced by established "panic industries." Be critical of narratives that profit from generating alarm, especially when examining funding sources behind advocacy groups. Your reporting should scrutinize the origins and financial backing of fear-based campaigns to provide a more balanced perspective.

Key insights

A "panic industry" funded by progressive billionaires is shifting its fear-mongering from climate change to AI and data centers.

Principles

• Fear-based narratives can be financially lucrative.
• Public anxiety can be manufactured and redirected.
• Foundations influence public discourse via funding.

Topics

• Panic Industry
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Centers
• Climate Change Activism
• Philanthropic Funding
• Public Opinion Manipulation

Best for: General Interest, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Technology - WSJ.com.