Is Big Tech Fueling Generative AI Fear-Mongering?

Generative AI: A Critical Look at Fear-Mongering Narratives In a recent video uploaded on May 28, 2025, ChelseaExplainsItAll, a former babysitter and Taylor Swift enthusiast, shared her insights on the environmental impact of generative AI. Her video, which has already garnered thousands of views, sparked a conversation about the importance of media literacy in the age of AI. ChelseaExplainsItAll argues that there's a concerted effort to create fear around generative AI, often overlooking other significant environmental issues. "We're all being told to worry about the 10,000 ChatGPT prompts we use a day," she states, "but what about the bigger issues?" She connects her experience in a college PR class, where she learned about media bias and the importance of identifying funding sources, to her analysis of current AI narratives. Her video touches on the potential for large media companies and established software companies to profit from promoting fear about AI. She suggests that these entities may be invested in maintaining the status quo, rather than embracing the potential of AI to disrupt their business models. Chelsea's video concludes with a call for increased media literacy, urging viewers to critically evaluate the sources of information they consume. "Who is paying for this?" she questions. This simple question, she argues, can help us cut through the noise and identify potential biases. The video's insightful perspective highlights the need for critical thinking in navigating the complex information landscape of the digital age.