In 2026 predictions, I wrote a lot about the AI bubble bursting. But I think what I didn't take into account was public sentiment as an accelerant.
The overall sentiment is growing VERY negative towards all this AI shit. Specifically, around data centers and the environmental/societal impacts of these things going in everywhere.
Axios got hold of an NRSC memo showing just how toxic data centers have become politically. Their internal polling reportedly puts data centers on par with nuclear waste in public opinion — and treats them as a stand-in for how people feel about AI overall.
The memo wasn't just for Republicans; it was aimed at AI company executives too. The message: political support depends on you winning over public support. From the NRSC memo: campaigns can't fix an entire industry's toxic image — that's on the companies building these projects to explain who benefits, who pays, and why communities should want them. Left unaddressed, Ohio becomes the template other politicians use to oppose data centers everywhere.
Beyond the financial reasons this bubble will pop (and it will pop), I think AI quickly becomes a social and political issue that only speeds up the collapse. And remember, AI is now accounting for like 30% of the GDP... so, it's gonna be ugly.