It Was the Best of Times, etc. (www.robinsloan.com)

In a thought-provoking blog post, Marcin Wichary reflects on the current state of AI chatbots and agents in 2026, drawing parallels to the early days of influential platforms like Google and Twitter. He suggests that while the AI community often comforts itself with the phrase "this is the worst it will ever be," a deeper understanding reveals that we're also experiencing a peak phase. The technology has yet to face the full brunt of commercialization and competition, which will inevitably introduce challenges like advertising and adversarial tactics to the landscape. Wichary highlights the significance of acknowledging both the technical advancements in AI and the broader commercial and ecological implications. As the AI ecosystem matures, the ease of use and accessibility seen today may be overshadowed by increased complexity and distractions, similar to the evolution of other internet platforms. This introspection not only encourages technologists to appreciate the present state of AI but also serves as a cautionary note about the inevitable challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing the need for a balanced perspective on the trajectory of AI development.