The AI End Game: Boom to Bust?

About this episode

The episode discusses the economic implications of artificial intelligence and questions its long-term sustainability.

There’s a lot to unpack about the economic effects of artificial intelligence. It’s clear that artificial intelligence is having a moment (to say the least) and that it has a profound impact on global GDP. But is it just a boom that will bust? Ed Zitron, author and host of the “Better Offline” podcast, is deeply worried about the long-term viability of the industry. He points out that AI lacks the basic traits that have been associated with previous software booms. This raises the question: is AI running more on unsustainable costs and vibes rather than long-term profit potential? According to Ed, the answer is clear.

People in this episode

Host: Chris Hayes

Guest: Ed Zitron

Topics covered

• artificial intelligence
• economic effects
• global GDP
• software booms
• long-term viability
• sustainability

Keywords

• artificial intelligence
• economic impact
• global GDP
• software boom
• long-term profit
• sustainability

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Better Offline

More episodes of Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

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• The AI End Game: Two-Year-Olds vs. AI with Alison Gopnik · May 19, 2026 · 56 min
• The AI End Game: How Work is Changing with Ethan Mollick · May 12, 2026 · 48 min
• The AI End Game: Who’s Leading the Way? with Derek Thompson · May 5, 2026 · 1h 2m