I've lived through many hype cycles but this is by far the most idiotic - I almost want to slap people - smart people! - for falling for this obvious scam.

The thing about hype cycles, and I've lived through many, is that there is almost always some useful application of the tech. Generative AI will find its niche in some way (e.g. sending short holding replies to business emails), but it will in no way resemble the grandiose vision that's been spun before us.

Then everyone who thought they could get away with doing the work that needs to be done - actual customer service, actual product improvements, actual learning - will have to roll up their sleeves and get on with it.