Ed Zitron's AI Skepticism: How Accurate Were His Predictions?
Are Meta, Google, and Microsoft really dying?
1Ed Zitron's AI Skepticism
Ed Zitron is one of the most cited AI skeptics in the tech industry. In a 2024 talk, he claimed that major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft are dying and are using AI as a desperate move due to their inability to grow. According to Zitron, their ecosystems are on the verge of collapse, and AI is a last resort.
2Meta's Financial Performance
To test Zitron's claims, Meta's revenue and profit figures from 2023-2026 were examined. In 2023, Meta reported $135 billion in revenue and $47 billion in profit. By the first half of 2026, revenue reached $117 billion, and profit was $42 billion. These numbers indicate continued growth, contradicting Zitron's claims.
3Google's Growth Dynamics
Alphabet (Google's parent company) reported $307 billion in revenue and $84 billion in profit in 2023. By the first half of 2026, revenue grew to $230 billion, and profit reached $80 billion. Zitron blamed Prabhakar Raghavan for Google search issues, but this did not hinder the company's overall growth.
4Microsoft's Steady Rise
Microsoft reported $228 billion in revenue and $101 billion in profit in 2023. By the first half of 2026, revenue increased to $173 billion, and profit was $79 billion. Contrary to Zitron's claims, Microsoft's growth rate remains stable and even shows signs of acceleration.
5MAU Debates and Meta
Zitron argued that Facebook's monthly active users (MAU) were declining, claiming Meta was dying. However, Meta's own reports and most estimates show MAU continues to grow. Zitron is accused of cherry-picking low estimates to distort the data.
6Google Search Issues
Zitron singled out Prabhakar Raghavan as the main culprit behind Google search problems. However, Google employees and industry analysts argue Raghavan alone couldn't have such a significant impact. Additionally, products like YouTube and Google Cloud continue to drive growth.
7AI's Role for Companies
Zitron claimed AI is a desperate move for big tech companies. However, Meta, Google, and Microsoft's AI investments are backed by rising revenue and profits, proving AI is a strategic investment, not a last resort.
8Zitron's Prediction Method
Zitron exaggerates minor issues to predict catastrophic outcomes. For example, he interpreted a temporary dip in Facebook's MAU as a sign of the company's collapse. Such arguments lack holistic data support.
9Tech Industry Dynamics
The tech industry is constantly evolving and adapting. Zitron's claims ignore these dynamics. Companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft continue to grow by innovating in AI and other areas.
10Limits of AI Skepticism
While AI skepticism highlights potential risks, it often leans toward excessive pessimism. Zitron's predictions exemplify this tendency. However, data shows AI is an opportunity, not a threat, for companies.
11Future Implications
Zitron's predictions have largely proven wrong. Meta, Google, and Microsoft continue to grow through AI investments, proving AI is a critical driver for the tech industry. AI skepticism should be approached with a balanced perspective.
Original article: Dan Luu — Ed Zitron'ın AI Şüpheciliği: Tahminleri Ne Kadar Doğru Çıktı?