Want to understand the current state of AI? Check out these charts (www.technologyreview.com)

The 2026 AI Index report from Stanford University reveals that AI models continue to improve rapidly, outpacing previous technological advances in adoption and performance. The report claims that users are adopting AI at a rate faster than personal computers or the internet, with AI now utilized by over 88% of organizations. However, this rapid evolution comes with significant environmental and economic implications, such as massive energy demands (29.6 gigawatts to power data centers akin to New York's peak) and growing concerns about job impacts, particularly among young software developers. Notably, the AI landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with the US and China nearly tied in model performance. While the US leads in powerful AI models and infrastructure, China excels in research output, suggesting that both nations hold distinct advantages. However, the report also highlights that current benchmarks for measuring AI progress are inadequate, leading to skepticism regarding reported advancements. As AI's implications grow more complex and impactful, both public sentiment and regulatory frameworks struggle to catch up with the technology's pace, indicating a pressing need for clearer assessment and governance.