Well, I can understand why the author would come to this conclusion. A 3rd-year undergrad being called by companies and VCs for insight? I'm impressed by the author but disdainful of these solicitors. It reflects poorly on them. To me they seem like people who don't understand what's happening but are anxious not to miss out on a new wave of get-rich-quick schemes.
Like other commenters have mentioned, largely due to misbranding and sensational media hype. Fearmongering from people like Elon Musk hasn't helped. But the key impact of machine learning for me is to make better and more efficient decisions that are informed by data - and that is not going to go away.
>but disdainful of these solicitors. It reflects poorly on them. To me they seem like people who don't understand what's happening but are anxious not to miss out on a new wave of get-rich-quick schemes.
This is an odd point of view to have. While op may see this as pressure because of imposter syndrome, I would have DREAMED of an opportunity like this in college.
These entrepreneur may not quite understand what they're getting into, but make no mistake, they are very good at recognizing experts, both established and rising [although they do cast a wide net] and this kind of behavior drives life changing opportunities and make it substantially easier, in a difficult world, for the cream of the crop to be unlocked to exceptional success at an early age. And the rising tide helps all of us.
The smartest people in college are usually the ones who ate able to learn what they need to know outside of college on their own, once they have an income, and entrepreneurs unlock that potential.
I can see your point of view as well... I would've been pretty excited to have this opportunity also.
However call me idealistic, naive, whatever - I don't like the motivations of these solicitors, even though in a pragmatic sense their actions will have positive side-effects for us (the "rising tide" you mention).
Like other commenters have mentioned, largely due to misbranding and sensational media hype. Fearmongering from people like Elon Musk hasn't helped. But the key impact of machine learning for me is to make better and more efficient decisions that are informed by data - and that is not going to go away.