Why businesses lie about AI
Aug 9, 2026
Summary
Cory Doctorow shares updates on his new techno-thriller novel and the success of his recent books, alongside a schedule of upcoming global speaking engagements. He reads and analyzes Nikhil Suresh’s essay on how corporate AI mania drives executives to lie about productivity gains to protect their careers. Doctorow argues that while individual experts use AI effectively, corporate adoption is largely performative, creating a bubble of wasted resources and defective automation.
Topics discussed
Upcoming speaking engagements and tour dates
New novel progress and InShittification paperback success
Sunday plans: gym, market, and indie cinema
Why Businesses Lie About AI: The coordination problem
Corporate AI mania and the pressure to conform
The hypnotic power of AI demos and fake metrics
Navigating AI mania and buzzword compliance
Why leaders love AI: Ego protection and Centaurs
AI as asbestos and upcoming schedule
Credits and closing remarks
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