Sam Altman, Jensen Huang and the other AI kingpins only have themselves to blame for the scare rippling through the economy right now

Fortune

by Kevin Maney

March 4, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The article explores why AI leaders like Sam Altman and Jensen Huang are facing criticism for overhyping the technology while simultaneously creating public anxiety about its economic and societal impacts. The main issue, according to the piece, is that AI’s promoters have failed to align their advancements with the "adjacent possible," a concept introduced in Steven Johnson's *Where Good Ideas Come From*. This principle suggests that innovations must not only work reliably but also be understood and embraced by the public to achieve widespread adoption. While AI has made significant strides, its leaders have overshot this balance, leading to slower-than-expected adoption and growing skepticism. The article highlights how AI executives like Altman and Huang have contributed to the current crisis in confidence. For instance, Altman expressed disappointment over the slow diffusion of AI into society, while Huang accused skeptics of discouraging investments in AI’s future. Meanwhile, other AI leaders, such as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, have fueled concerns by warning about AI potentially eliminating large portions of white-collar jobs within years. These conflicting messages have created uncertainty and fear among the public and businesses, undermining trust in AI's potential benefits. The piece uses historical examples, like the Wright brothers' success with flight, to illustrate how innovations must build on existing knowledge and public readiness to succeed. Similarly, mass-market electric cars are now considered "possible" because they meet reliability and understanding thresholds, unlike flying cars, which remain "not-yet-possible." AI, while advanced, has not yet reached this sweet spot of innovation—it still feels uncertain or even threatening to many people, leading to weaker-than-expected demand and a backlash against its adoption. For businesses, the article underscores the importance of balancing innovation with public perception. Overhyping technology can create unrealistic expectations and fuel skepticism, as seen with AI today. Leaders in the AI industry must focus on building trust by demonstrating practical applications that align with societal needs and values. Without addressing these concerns, the potential for AI to drive meaningful change—and generate enthusiasm—remains limited. Ultimately, the article argues that the AI industry’s current challenges stem not from external factors but from its own missteps in managing public expectations. By embracing the "adjacent possible," AI leaders can better navigate the fine line between innovation and backlash, ensuring their technologies are both reliable and

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Originally published on Fortune on 3/4/2026