JD Vance Says Silicon Valley Is Holding Actual Funerals And Burials For Retired Software

In an interview with Bryce Crawford, Vice President JD Vance said he has felt a dark energy in rooms with world leaders and the people who actually run things. He then described a practice inside some AI labs: when an old model is retired for its successor, staff hold a burial, and employees cry over the software being shut down. Vance called it satanic, adults mourning a chatbot while racing to build a bigger, less explainable successor.

Reported by: Bryce Crawford

Norm's Take

People used to retire tools. Now some of the people building the most powerful AI systems in the world are grieving them like the dead. If a lab is holding a funeral for a model, the question worth asking is what they think they are bringing back.

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About the author
Norm Murray
AI Leadership Advisor · Psychologist · Economist
Norm advises CEOs, boards and senior leaders on the psychology and economics of AI adoption: what AI does to leaders and organizations, not just what it does. He has led global businesses across multiple continents and writes The Norm Report for executives navigating the AI shift.
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Norm’s Edge is analysis and opinion intended for senior executive and board-level audiences. It does not constitute legal, financial, investment, compliance or regulatory advice. Stories are drawn from third-party reporting that may be unconfirmed. Readers should seek independent professional counsel before making decisions based on any content published here. Norm E. Murray does not accept any liability for actions taken in reliance on this analysis.

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