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Linus Torvalds recently offered his views on the merits of artificial intelligence (AI) as we know it. The creator and lead developer of the Linux kernel did not disappoint with his characteristic cynicism about the substance of the AI ​​industry in 2024. Famous for still being very knowledgeable. necessary opinions On all things tech, Torvalds grimaced as he summed up the state of the AI ​​business as “90% marketing and 10% reality.” Torvalds spoke at the Open Source Summit in Vienna earlier this month, where TFiR to the interviewee. Tsathustra highlighted this interesting segment of artificial intelligence.

During the highlight interview segment, Torvalds tried to see the potential of AI, but the industry’s relentless hype is taking its toll. “I think AI is really exciting and I think it’s going to change the world. And at the same time, I hate the hype cycle so much that I really don’t want to go there,” the tech icon said.

The Linux pioneer outlined his mechanism for dealing with his hype: “So my approach to AI right now is that I’m basically going to ignore it because I think the whole tech industry around AI is in a position very bad (grimaces)…” However, it seems like there’s almost too much AI BS for Fin to tolerate, and it’s currently “90% marketing and 10% reality”. This is quite a ratio.

On a more positive note, Torvalds believes there is change afoot. “In five years, things will change, and at that point we’ll see what AI uses every day for real tasks.” But now it seems appropriate to remind readers that this is not the first instance where an IT industry heavyweight has questioned the validity of the AI ​​industry. Just a week ago, I reported The CEO of Baidu expressing an even more pessimistic view – that the AI ​​bubble would burst and that only 1% of companies would continue to pick up the pieces after the predicted “pop”.

The Godfather of Linux concluded the highlights video segment by noting what he believes to be the current strengths of AI. “Chat GPT does great demos (rubs forehead) and is obviously used in many fields, but mostly in graphic design, things like that.” However, Torvalds couldn’t resist one last dig, reminding us “But, I really hate the hype cycle.”

Unfortunately, it’s challenging to be a tech geek and ignore pervasive industry trends, which can often be frustrating because they seem to be marketing-driven. However, individuals are probably best advised to follow in Torvalds’ footsteps and “basically ignore” the things they don’t like, focusing instead on the abundant exciting aspects and potential of modern technology.