How Companies Are Turning the Future Into a Buzzword Bonanza.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about AI—Artificial Intelligence. Or, as companies like to call it, “Aha! Investors.”
You see, AI is the shiny, new, slightly terrifying thing we’ve been told will revolutionize everything: our jobs, our homes, maybe even our toothbrushes. But here’s the kicker: a lot of what you’re hearing is utter garbage.

Yes, I’m talking about AI washing—the act of slapping the term “AI” on anything and everything to make it sound like a cutting-edge innovation when, in reality, it’s about as advanced as your uncle trying to figure out TikTok.

The AI Gold Rush

AI washing exists because everyone wants a piece of the AI pie. Companies hear “AI” and think, “Ooh, that’s sexy!” Investors think, “Ooh, here’s my wallet!” And consumers think, “Wait, will this toaster steal my identity?” AI is the golden goose, except instead of laying golden eggs, it lays a mountain of buzzwords and marketing gimmicks.

Take a moment to reflect on the absurd things labeled as “AI-powered” these days. A while ago, I came across an AI toothbrush. Yes, apparently we need AI to remind us that brushing for 10 seconds while checking Instagram is not proper dental hygiene. Is it revolutionary? No. It’s a glorified electric toothbrush that buzzes a bit differently.

The Difference Between Artificial General Intelligence and “Pretend AI”

Real general artificial intelligence is genuinely impressive and scary in equal measure. It powers things like natural language processing, autonomous vehicles, and predictive analytics. But the stuff masquerading as AI? That’s often just basic automation wearing sunglasses indoors, pretending to be cool.

For instance:

• AI-powered marketing tools: Many are just glorified “if-then” statements. If you click on shoes, it shows you more shoes. That’s not AI; that’s common sense. Even toddlers know if you like ice cream, you probably want more ice cream.
• AI chatbots: Some are genuinely intelligent. Others are just “Hello, how can I help you?” loops that can’t distinguish between “billing” and “banana.”
• AI in beauty products: Yes, AI face creams are a thing. Apparently, they “analyze your skin.” Let me save you $100: your skin is dry because you drink coffee like it’s a personality trait.

Why AI Washing Sucks

Here’s the problem: AI washing doesn’t just sound silly—it actively hurts real progress.

1. Dilutes Credibility: When everything is “AI-powered,” nothing is. It becomes harder for genuinely innovative AI products to stand out.
2. Misleads Consumers: People start believing general artificial intelligence can do things it can’t—like magically fix bad business practices or understand your girlfriend’s passive-aggressive texts. Spoiler: it can’t.
3. Wastes Resources: Companies pour money into “adding AI” where it’s unnecessary, neglecting simpler, more effective solutions.

The Real Losers? All of Us

And here’s the kicker: AI washing creates fear. When you hear AI’s “taking over the world,” what they mean is “AI’s taking over our PowerPoint presentations.” The actual tech is incredible, but AI washing makes us all suspicious. It’s like discovering that the “organic” label on your groceries is meaningless—except now it’s your software pretending to be Einstein.

What We Should Be Asking

The next time a company brags about its AI, ask:

1. Is this real AI or just fancy automation?
2. What does it actually do? Does this “AI-powered” fridge really need to track my cheese consumption?
3. Does it add value? Or is it just there to justify charging 30% more?

AI Doesn’t Need a Buzzword Bath

You might say, “Farhan, you have an AI development agency, and yet you’re saying not everything needs AI?”

Yes, exactly! I don’t want artificial intelligence everywhere just for the sake of it. AI should be implemented where it fits naturally and genuinely brings value. Otherwise, it’s just clients losing money chasing buzzwords, and we’re not about that life.

At our agency, we don’t sell fluff; we create solutions that matter. If AI can revolutionize a process, make your business smarter, or save you money, we’re all in. But if it’s AI just to look trendy, then no thank you—we’d rather focus on delivering real value, AI value.

Our mission isn’t to ride the hype train; it’s to build things that actually work, scale, and make a difference. Because at the end of the day, we’re not here to make noise; we’re here to make an impact.