WIRED co‑founder Kevin Kelly says AI coverage has lost internet‑era optimism
robotics
| Source: Mastodon | Original article
WIRED co‑founder Kevin Kelly says the outlet’s AI reporting has shifted from the upbeat optimism of the early internet era to a more dystopian tone.
A recent analysis by Wharton professor Ethan Mollick has sparked a rare public comment from WIRED co‑founder Kevin Kelly. Mollick used the GPT‑6‑powered tool Astra to run a side‑by‑side comparison of WIRED’s articles from the early internet era with its reporting on artificial intelligence over the past year. The algorithm flagged a marked shift in tone: where the magazine once celebrated the promise of a connected world, its AI coverage now leans toward caution and, at times, dystopia. Kelly, appearing on RuntimeWire’s episode 167, agreed that the change “feels about right,” confirming the quantitative finding without endorsing the platform or its editorial stance.
The observation matters because WIRED has long been a bellwether for tech journalism. Its early optimism helped shape public enthusiasm for the web; a more sober narrative on AI could temper hype, influence investor sentiment, and shape policy debates around regulation and safety. The shift also mirrors a broader media trend, as outlets grapple with the rapid pace of AI advances and the societal risks they pose.
What to watch next is whether WIRED will adjust its editorial line in response to Kelly’s acknowledgment. Mollick may publish a fuller report, potentially prompting other publications to audit their own coverage. Industry observers will be keen to see if the tone change translates into more investigative pieces, altered feature priorities, or a recalibration of the magazine’s audience engagement strategy. The conversation also raises a question for the wider tech press: how to balance excitement with responsibility as AI moves from novelty to infrastructure.
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