Silicon Valley’s AI enthusiasts are frustrated with public skepticism, but they may be missing the point. While industry insiders celebrate what they see as near-miraculous advances, many ordinary people view AI progress with anxiety or indifference.
Sharon Goldman reports for Fortune that the disconnect stems from fundamentally different perspectives. What AI builders frame as thrilling abundance often feels threatening to everyone else. An OpenAI researcher’s excitement about having “infinite minds to throw at infinite potential problems” overlooks widespread concerns about job security, data centers, and whether AI benefits will remain concentrated among a narrow set of companies.
Goldman argues that AI companies focus too much on impressing people with capabilities rather than addressing practical concerns. “Ordinary people don’t need to be impressed,” she writes. “They need answers: about jobs, costs, and who actually benefits.”
The gap is widening in 2026. Sebastian Caliri from venture capital firm 8VC notes that “folks in tech do not appreciate that the entire country is polarized against tech.” He emphasizes that competition with China means little to people struggling with housing costs and healthcare expenses.
Religious leaders are adding their voices to the skepticism. Time reports that Christian figures across denominations are raising concerns about AI’s impact on family life, human relationships, and children. Pope Leo XIV has used his platform to warn about potential harms despite acknowledging possible benefits.
The growing backlash suggests Silicon Valley needs a better narrative, one that addresses real concerns rather than simply showcasing technical achievements.
