Brian MacKenzie’s Post

I’m a natural skeptic, through and through. The world is full of products and solutions making over-the-top promises—simplifying your life, delivering miracle cures, growing hair where you want it, and removing it where you don’t. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of quick fixes, but I’ve learned to approach such claims with caution. Over time, I’ve developed a habit of questioning anything that sounds too good to be true, digging for evidence, and looking past the glossy marketing to uncover the truth.  Lately, AI has become the latest obsession, and in the past 18 months, it’s gone from fascinating to outright ridiculous. From toothpaste to cruise ships, it feels like everything is being branded as “AI-powered” with promises of revolutionary change. While AI undoubtedly has transformative potential, the buzz often eclipses the substance, turning it into a trendy catch-all rather than a meaningful innovation. My skepticism comes in handy here, helping me sift through what’s genuinely groundbreaking versus what’s just hype.    Recently, I came across a book titled "AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference". As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to read it. The book is also available on Audible, and if you don’t already have an account, there’s a free trial that includes two free books. I found it incredibly thought-provoking and was thrilled to discover others who share my perspective. It’s a worthwhile read (or listen) for a long drive, a delayed flight, or when you just need to escape the holiday chaos.  I’d love to hear what others think about the non-stop conversation around AI—are we truly living in an AI revolution, or are we just drowning in 24/7 hype?