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Writer's picturemeowdini
May 302 min read

AI in 2024: A New Dawn Comparable to the Internet's 1988 Revolution

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is drawing parallels to the early days of the internet. Clara Shih, CEO of Salesforce AI, recently compared today's AI advancements to the internet era of 1988, suggesting we are on the brink of a transformative breakthrough. Just as the World Wide Web revolutionized the world, AI promises to redefine business models, automate mundane tasks, and enhance human capabilities. This article delves into Shih's insights, the current state of AI, and its potential to reshape our future.


Illustration of artificial intelligence (AI)

Discover how AI today mirrors the internet's infancy in 1988. Salesforce AI CEO Clara Shih predicts a revolutionary breakthrough that will transform business models, automate tasks, and augment human capabilities. Learn more about the future of AI.


Key Points:

The Early Internet: A Historical Parallel

  • 1988 Internet Landscape: In 1988, the internet was primitive, primarily used by universities and government offices with about 60,000 users globally. The NSFNET started connecting countries, making the internet more accessible.

  • Revolutionary Potential: Just as the internet evolved to become a global necessity, AI is poised to transition from an experimental phase to mainstream adoption.


AI's Current State and Potential

  • AI Today: AI technology is automating repetitive tasks and streamlining operations, much like how early internet applications began enhancing communication and information sharing.

  • Future Innovations: As AI matures, it is expected to create new business models, drive efficiencies, and unlock unprecedented opportunities across various industries.


AI Enhancing, Not Replacing, Human Roles

  • Workforce Evolution: Shih emphasizes that AI will update and augment job roles rather than replace them, similar to how the internet created new professions and skills.

  • Real-World Applications: AI is being integrated into numerous sectors, from luxury brands like LVMH augmenting human creativity to everyday business operations improving productivity.


Technological Breakthroughs on the Horizon

  • Anticipated Advances: AI is on the cusp of significant advancements that could parallel the transformative impact of the internet's commercialization in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

  • Global Connectivity and AI: With AI tools becoming more sophisticated and accessible, businesses and individuals are poised to benefit from enhanced capabilities and efficiencies.


Industry Insights and Predictions

  • Salesforce AI's Vision: Shih’s vision for AI involves a seamless integration into business processes, driving innovation and enhancing human capabilities.

  • LVMH's AI Strategy: Axel de Goursac of LVMH highlights the role of AI in complementing human workers, showcasing how AI can augment creativity and operational efficiency without replacing jobs.



As AI technology continues to evolve, it is set to revolutionize industries in ways similar to the internet's impact in the late 20th century. Clara Shih's comparison of AI's current state to the Internet of 1988 underscores the transformative potential of AI. By enhancing human capabilities, creating new business models, and driving efficiencies, AI promises to be a cornerstone of future technological advancements. Embracing this change will be crucial for businesses and individuals alike, as we stand on the brink of a new era of innovation.



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