Amid the hype and unknowns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), companies are exaggerating their integration of the technology to attract investors. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned about "AI washing, " where companies give a false impression of using AI. Some companies have faced charges and penalties for making misleading claims about AI use. Despite not breaking the law, many companies are posturing around AI. A Goldman Sachs analysis found that 36% of S&P 500 companies mentioned AI in their earnings calls. However, there is some hyperbole and uncertainty surrounding AI's potential and achievable outcomes.

Even projects explicitly focused on developing AI face challenges and criticism. Overselling and overspinning AI capabilities have become common, and even tech giants are cautious about how they pitch AI to their clients. The revenue generated from AI is still relatively small, and nontech companies talking about AI are often unclear about their plans and differentiation. The financial incentives and dreams of automation drive the tendency to overstate AI's possibilities. The future impacts of AI remain uncertain, with overly optimistic and pessimistic views being likely incorrect. It is important to recognize that anyone claiming to know exactly what is happening or where AI is headed is not being truthful.