{
  "id": 3290245,
  "title": "Sam Altman says the economy is adapting to AI slower than he expected",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/sam-altman-says-the-economy-is-adapting-to-ai-slower-than-he-expected",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-25T15:09:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-economy-ai-adapting-saas-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted during an interview that he had been overly optimistic about the pace of AI adoption in the economy. The tech pioneer initially predicted that AI would rapidly disrupt various industries, particularly the software sector. However, Altman now acknowledges that customers and companies have largely continued using their existing products and routines, despite the potential for AI to streamline processes and reduce workforce requirements.\n\nAltman stated that the slower than anticipated pace of AI adoption serves as a positive development, as it allows businesses to adapt at a more measured pace. He likened the transition to customers still frequenting Blockbuster long after Netflix began offering DVD home delivery services. This comparison underscores the challenge of changing established behaviors, even when more efficient alternatives are available.\n\nDespite the slower than expected adoption, Altman's comments reflect a more realistic assessment compared to the earlier, more ambitious predictions made at the start of the generative AI boom. AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, have long touted the technology's potential to make businesses more efficient, create new ventures with fewer employees, and transform the overall economy. However, the reality of widespread corporate adoption has proven more complex than initially anticipated.",
  "summary": "OpenAI's CEO said he was too bullish on AI's economic takeover in 2023. Slower adoption is a \"positive in many ways,\" he added.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}