Anil Dash argues that most people building technology hold a far more balanced view of AI than the hype suggests.
They see AI as useful, but not magical. Powerful, but needing limits. They’re frustrated that the loudest voices are those of billionaires and evangelists who treat AI like a belief system instead of a tool.
Dash calls this the “majority view” of AI—one rooted in practical use, ethical scrutiny, and genuine consent. He points out that many in tech stay silent because speaking up risks careers, especially when hype dominates investment and attention.
Big ideas:
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The silent majority – Most tech builders see AI as just another technology, not destiny.
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Hype vs. honesty – Public narratives are driven by power and profit, not lived experience.
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Leadership lesson – Treat AI as a normal tool; apply the same ethics and design care you would to any system.
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As leaders, we don’t need to choose between blind adoption and rejection. We can hold the middle ground—clear-eyed, curious, and critical. That’s where real productivity begins.
