Look, if it’s true that Trump is planning to ban the term “artificial intelligence” and push people toward using something like “super intelligence” (SI) instead, then I have to say something.
That’s stupid.
Seriously, who cares what people call it? AI stands for artificial intelligence. SI stands for super intelligence. They’re terms people can use to describe technology. If someone prefers one over the other, fine. That’s their choice.
But here’s the thing: let people call it what they want.
I don’t care whether you call it AI, artificial intelligence, SI, super intelligence, or something else entirely. The terminology itself isn’t the important part. What matters is the technology, how we use it, how we regulate it, and how we make sure it benefits people rather than harms them.
And let’s be honest. We have much bigger things to worry about than what terminology people use when talking about AI.
And that’s where I have a bigger problem with this.
According to the September 29 executive order, the Trump administration is directing federal executive departments and agencies to use “Super Intelligence” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” in official communications. Trump has also publicly talked about banning the old terminology. So this isn’t just some random rumor. It’s an actual policy direction. The White House+1
But here’s my biggest issue: if you’re going to punish people, threaten people, or treat them as enemies simply because they refuse to use the terminology you personally prefer, then you’re part of the problem.
Language evolves. People have different preferences. That’s perfectly fine. But trying to dictate what everyone else must call something, especially when the existing terminology is already widely understood, is ridiculous.
And I say this as someone who genuinely supports AI and believes it can be an incredibly useful tool for creativity, productivity, education, and self-expression.
I don’t want to see this technology turned into another political culture war.
Let people use AI. Let people call it AI. Let people call it SI if they prefer.
Just stop making everything a fucking loyalty test.
You’re Only Pushing People Away
And let me add one more thing.
I like AI. I use AI. And I’m not ashamed to say that. I genuinely believe it can be a useful tool, and I’ve talked about that more than once.
But by doing things like this, you’re going to push away people who might otherwise be more favorable toward AI.
Now, look, I’m still going to use it. I’m not going to stop just because Trump or his administration decides they don’t like the terminology. I see AI as a tool, and I intend to keep using it as one.
But some people might not feel the same way. Some people might become frustrated, turned off, or even decide they don’t want anything to do with the technology because of the way it’s being politicized.
And what happens if Trump actually tries to force everyone to call it Super Intelligence? Are you going to force companies to change their terminology, too? What about companies that literally have AI in their company names? Are they supposed to rebrand themselves? What about products, services, businesses, and organizations that have already built their identities around the term AI?
Are we seriously going to start policing company names and branding over this?
Because that’s the absurdity of it all. You’re taking something that could be discussed on its actual merits and turning it into another unnecessary political fight.
If you want people to embrace AI, maybe don’t give them even more reasons to resent it. And maybe don’t make supporting your preferred terminology a requirement for participating in the conversation.
You don’t encourage people to embrace a technology by turning its name into a political loyalty test.