economy
Welcome to a Multidimensional Economic Disaster
The global economy has become dependent on the AI industry. Trillions of dollars are being invested into the technology and the infrastructure it relies on; in the final months of 2025, functionally all economic growth in the United States came from AI investments. This would be risky even in ideal conditions. And we are very far from ideal conditions.
TL;DR
- The global economy is heavily reliant on AI investments, which accounted for nearly all US economic growth in late 2025.
- The AI supply chain depends on limited geographic sources for crucial materials and infrastructure, making it vulnerable to geopolitical instability.
- The war in Iran has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy, helium, sulfur, and fertilizer supplies, with significant price increases already observed.
- AI companies and data center providers have accumulated substantial debt, increasing their vulnerability to revenue shortfalls or market downturns.
- Concerns exist about an AI bubble due to rapid investment, unproven business models, and the decreasing value of AI assets like advanced chips and 'tokens'.
- Data centers are physically vulnerable targets, and cyberattacks could also disrupt operations.
- A confluence of factors, including supply chain issues, high energy costs, financial leverage, and geopolitical tensions, could trigger a widespread economic crisis.
- Technology firms are criticized for prioritizing speed and growth over security, redundancy, and financial stability, potentially ensnaring the entire economy.