Tech Critic Questions AI Hype as Meta Launches "Vibes" AI Video Feed

Prominent YouTuber and filmmaker Matti Haapoja has publicly questioned the current state of the tech industry, specifically targeting the perceived overspending and "gaslighting" by CEOs regarding new, potentially unnecessary technologies. His criticism, shared in a recent tweet, directly references Meta AI's newly launched "Vibes" platform, suggesting it epitomizes a potential "bubble" or "snake oil" trend within artificial intelligence.

"I can’t stop thinking about this. Epitome of how much money is being spent for things nobody needs and at the same time the amount of gaslighting from so many CEOs about how important this all is… bubble? All garbage? Selling snake oil till they figure it out?" Haapoja stated in his tweet. The post was made in response to an announcement about Meta AI's "Vibes" feature.

Meta Platforms recently rolled out "Vibes," a new feed within the Meta AI app and on meta.ai, dedicated to short-form, AI-generated videos. The platform allows users to create videos from scratch, remix existing content, and share them directly to the Vibes feed or cross-post to Instagram and Facebook Stories and Reels. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature, positioning it as an early look into new product directions for Meta AI.

Initial reactions to "Vibes" have been mixed, with some critics labeling the content as "AI slop" due to its often generic or nonsensical nature. Reports indicate that while Meta intends for the feed to become personalized over time, many early users found the endless scroll of AI-generated clips to be lacking in compelling narratives or genuine artistic value. Meta has partnered with AI image generators like Midjourney and Black Forest Labs for the early version of Vibes, while continuing to develop its own AI models.

Haapoja's comments resonate with a broader industry debate concerning the rapid investment and hype surrounding AI technologies. Critics, including authors of the book "AI Snake Oil," have long warned against overestimating AI capabilities and the potential for "criti-hype" – criticism that inadvertently portrays technology as all-powerful. This sentiment suggests a growing skepticism about whether current AI innovations deliver tangible value commensurate with their significant investment and promotion.