In a recent commentary highlighted by the Financial Times on October 17, 2025, AI has been described as facing a “cargo cult problem,” a metaphor that captures the growing concern about superficial adoption of artificial intelligence technologies without a deep understanding of their underlying principles.
The phrase “cargo cult” refers to an anthropological phenomenon observed among Melanesian islanders during World War II, who built mock airstrips and wooden radios in the hope of attracting the planes and supplies (cargo) they had seen brought by American soldiers. In the AI context, this term is used to describe organizations that are enthusiastically creating vast infrastructure such as data centers and buying AI startups, yet without clear strategies on how these investments will translate into meaningful business value or innovation.
Gillian Tett of the Financial Times points out that many companies are plunging into AI simply because it is the current trend, not necessarily because they comprehend how AI can be effectively integrated into their business models. This leads to an arms race of AI hype, where actions are based more on appearances and imitation rather than substantive progress.
Industry insiders and commentators contribute to the conversation by highlighting differing interpretations. Some criticize the metaphor as overused or ill-fitting, arguing that many companies are making calculated moves in a competitive AI landscape aimed at capitalizing on its enormous potential rather than blindly replicating AI infrastructures without purpose. However, the critique remains significant. It underscores concerns that an excessive focus on technological expansion can overshadow the need for genuine innovation and thoughtful strategy.
The discussion raises critical questions about AI adoption across sectors:
- Are companies investing in AI hubs simply to follow the trend, or do they possess the expertise to harness AI’s full capabilities?
- How can organizations avoid the trap of “cargo cult” behavior, ensuring that AI tools lead to practical, scalable innovations?
- What role does leadership understanding play in steering AI investments toward measurable outcomes?
This dialogue is especially relevant as the AI ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly, with new startups, technologies, and use cases emerging globally. The metaphor serves as a warning: enthusiasm alone is insufficient without depth and strategic direction.
Ultimately, the “cargo cult problem” in AI is a call to action for leaders, developers, and policymakers to deepen their understanding of AI and to foster ecosystems that prioritize meaningful innovation over mere replication of popular technology trends.