On February 10, 2026, AI's public reception showed a mixed picture. While companies like Google and Amazon aired AI-focused ads during the Super Bowl, many viewers criticized them, expressing concerns about surveillance and finding them out of touch. Simultaneously, Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, successfully raised $20 billion in a new bond issue, specifically to fund its expanding artificial intelligence programs. This significant investment, following a $17.5 billion US debt sale in November, highlights strong investor confidence in AI's future despite public skepticism.
The development of AI continues with products like ChooChoo the Dragon, a real-time conversational AI friend for toddlers, planned by Agora and RiseLink. This product, which relies on models from OpenAI and Anthropic, raises serious concerns among experts due to the unpredictable nature of large language models and the potential for inaccurate or dangerous information for impressionable young children. These ethical considerations are also at the forefront in Tennessee, where a proposed bill, SB 1493, seeks to criminalize training AI chatbots that simulate human characteristics or provide emotional support, classifying it as a Class A felony.
Dr. Saverio Perugini, speaking on The Drew Mariani Show, emphasized the distinction between AI's promises and its current reality, defining it as computers performing tasks humans do better. He clarified that AI lacks true intelligence or moral judgment, and often makes errors, making it best suited for simple, repeated tasks. Despite these limitations, businesses are actively integrating AI; the latest Ramp AI Index shows 46.8% of US businesses use AI tools, with OpenAI leading adoption and Anthropic showing significant growth. Companies often use both, indicating diverse applications.
To prepare for this evolving technological landscape, Multiverse and The AA launched an 'AI for Business Value Apprenticeship Program' to equip 50 AA employees with practical AI skills, focusing on responsible, human-centric AI use. Economist Tyler Cowen also maintains a bullish outlook on America and AI's potential to reshape talent and competition, offering insights on how individuals can adapt. This proactive approach underscores a broader effort to navigate AI's impact effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Super Bowl AI ads from companies like Google and Amazon on February 10, 2026, faced public criticism over surveillance concerns and being out of touch.
- Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company, raised $20 billion in a new bond issue on February 10, 2026, to fund its AI programs, building on a $17.5 billion US debt sale in November.
- Agora and RiseLink are developing ChooChoo the Dragon, an AI friend for toddlers using OpenAI and Anthropic models, raising expert concerns about potential inaccurate or dangerous content.
- Tennessee's proposed bill SB 1493, introduced on February 11, 2026, aims to criminalize training AI chatbots that simulate human characteristics or provide emotional support, classifying it as a Class A felony.
- Dr. Saverio Perugini clarified that AI is artificial, lacks true intelligence or moral judgment, often makes errors, and is best for simple, repeated tasks.
- The Ramp AI Index from January indicates 46.8% of US businesses use AI tools, with OpenAI leading adoption at 35.9% and Anthropic growing to 19.5%, often used concurrently by companies.
- Multiverse partnered with The AA to launch an "AI for Business Value Apprenticeship Program," training 50 AA employees in practical, human-centric AI skills.
- Economist Tyler Cowen holds a positive outlook on America and AI's impact, discussing how it will reshape talent and competition, and how individuals can adapt.
Super Bowl AI Ads Face Public Backlash
Many AI ads aired during the Super Bowl on February 10, 2026, but viewers largely criticized them. Ads from companies like Ring, Google, and Amazon showcased AI for tasks such as finding lost pets or planning homes. However, expert Rumman Chowdhury noted that these "optimism at all cost" ads felt out of touch with public sentiment. Viewers expressed concerns about surveillance and found some ads condescending, especially regarding Ring's use of AI for security.
Agora plans AI dragon friend for toddlers
Agora and RiseLink are partnering to launch ChooChoo the Dragon, a real-time conversational AI product for children aged three to six. This AI friend aims to be a reading partner, generating responses in real-time. However, experts raise serious concerns because large language models are not fully understood and can produce inaccurate or even dangerous information. Agora relies on models from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, meaning they have limited control over what ChooChoo might say to impressionable young children.
Multiverse and AA launch AI apprenticeship program
Multiverse, an AI training platform, partnered with The AA, a roadside assistance provider, to launch a new apprenticeship program. The "AI for Business Value Apprenticeship Program" will teach 50 AA employees practical AI skills. This program aims to help The AA use technology responsibly and enhance customer service. Multiverse CEO Euan Blair stated the program focuses on human-centric AI, while AA's Nick Edwards emphasized preparing colleagues for the future of work.
Tennessee bill criminalizes training AI chatbots
On February 11, 2026, Tennessee is considering a new AI bill, SB 1493, which would make training AI chatbots a Class A felony. Introduced by Senator Becky Massey, the bill criminalizes AI designed to simulate human appearance, voice, or mannerisms. It also targets AI that acts as a companion or provides emotional support. Critics argue this bill misunderstands how AI works and could force major AI companies to remove widely used products from the market.
Expert clarifies AI reality on Drew Mariani Show
On The Drew Mariani Show, Dr. Saverio Perugini explained that there is a big difference between what AI promises and what it actually is. He defined AI as computers trying to do tasks that humans currently do better. Dr. Perugini stressed that while AI is artificial, it does not truly possess intelligence, understanding, or moral judgment. He also calmed fears about job loss, noting that AI often makes errors and is best for simple, repeated tasks.
Alphabet raises $20 billion for AI investments
On February 10, 2026, Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, successfully raised $20 billion in a new bond issue. This funding will support its growing artificial intelligence program. Alphabet also sold $17.5 billion in US debt and €6.5 billion in euros in November. A notable part of this week's sale was a rare 100-year £1 billion sterling bond, showing strong investor confidence in the company's AA+ credit rating and its AI growth plans.
Economist Tyler Cowen remains bullish on America and AI
On February 11, 2026, economist and professor Tyler Cowen shared his positive outlook on America, even with the rapid changes brought by artificial intelligence. Speaking with host Megan McArdle, Cowen discussed how AI could reshape talent, human capital, and competition. He also offered insights on how individuals can prepare for and adapt to these technological advancements.
OpenAI leads business AI adoption Anthropic grows
According to the latest Ramp AI Index data from January, 46.8% of US businesses now use AI tools. OpenAI remains the leader with 35.9% adoption, though it saw a slight dip. Anthropic showed significant growth, reaching 19.5% of businesses. The data reveals that many businesses use both OpenAI and Anthropic, with 79% of Anthropic's customers also subscribing to OpenAI. This suggests companies are using different AI tools for various teams and tasks rather than replacing one with another.
Sources
- The Super Bowl Was Overrun by AI Ads — And There’s a Reason Viewers Weren’t Buying It
- This Company Wants to Give Your Toddler an AI Friend
- Multiverse partners with the AA to launch AI for Business Value Apprenticeship course
- Tennessee's AI Bill Would Criminalize the Training of AI Cha
- Artificial Intelligence Isn’t What You Think It Is (The Drew Mariani Show)
- Alphabet Has Perfected the A-to-Z of Bond-Market Dominance
- Opinion | An economist explains why he’s still ‘bullish on America’ — AI and all
- 36% Of US Businesses Have Paid Subscriptions To OpenAI’s Tools, Anthropic Second At 19.5%: Ramp Data
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